Chichen Itza is popular for the chicken and other dishes served up at its location at Mercado La Paloma in South Los Angeles.
Representatives of the restaurant recently decided to aim for more, though, joining a roster of other businesses to donate a share of profits earned during the month to Profits for Peace Campaign of the non-profit Program for torture victims. Many of the businesses have committed to the effort for all or a portion of the month of July, with some signing on for over a longer period.
(Patrons must mention the Program for Torture Victims or present a coupon designed for the effort. Restaurants and merchants have pledged amounts from 10% to 100% of proceeds on such transaction. The full list of participating businesses, a schedule, and a coupon book can found at http://www.ptvla.org/news-and-events-30-anniversary.html)
The funds will go to help immigrants who have fled torture and other dangers, arriving in Los Angeles as asylum seekers. Organizers of the program say that Los Angeles is now the largest port of entry for incoming refugees and asylum seekers — and home to the highest number of torture survivors in the country.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and 9th District Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry recently lauded the Profits for Peace Campaign during an event as City Hall.
"Los Angeles has always opened its arms to those in need, and it is in that spirit that the Program for Torture Victims carries on its noble work," Villaraigosa said. "I hope that people around the city will join me in supporting the Program for Torture Victims, and in doing so will help heal the victims of torture who now call Los Angeles home."
The Program for Torture Victims is the oldest such organization in the U.S. Staff members advocate for torture survivors, and strive to provide them with resources such as comprehensive medical, psychological, legal and case management services. The goal is to help adults and children whose lives have been shattered by state-sponsored torture in their homelands.
The Program for Torture Victims staff also conducts ongoing research on treatment methods, and provides training to legal and healthcare professionals, as well as the general public, about the effects of torture on individuals and society at large.
"It's vital to have support, relief and care for people who have been subject to torture," said Perry, during the recent event at City Hall. "The Program for Torture Victims helps survivors turn unimaginable nightmares into successful lives."
Julie Gutman, who serves as executive director of the Program for Torture Victims, said that the organization provides much-needed services at a crucial point for new arrivals who have sustained abuse in their homelands.
"Abandoned and aggrieved by their own countries, the thousands of men and women who have walked through our doors from over 65 different countries have sought a new beginning here in Los Angeles — the city of second chances," Gutman said. "With the help of the Program for Torture Victims, they have found that new beginning, re-entering society and the workforce and becoming contributing members of our community."
Here is a partial listing of the businesses that are participating in the Profits for Peace Campaign:
- Louise' Trattoria (all locations)
- Takami Sushi and Robata Restaurant
- Good Girl Dinette
- Mo Chica
- La Maison de Crème
- Chichen Itza Restaurant
- Thai Corner Food Express
- Mercado Oaxaca California
- Cafe Juice Bar
- Pink's Hot Dogs
- Bo Balsima's Hair, Skin and Nail Salon,
- Handmade by Mariah (clothing and accessories)
- Studio City Yoga,
- Alignment for Life
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