By Stephanie Samuel

Sentinel Staff Writer

In an effort to show solidarity for those devastated by Hurricane Katrina, several Bowie restaurants participated last week in "Dining for D'Iberville," a program that donates a portion of proceeds to the hurricane-ravaged city of D'Iberville in Mississippi.

"People are eating out all the time for good cause. Now they can eat for a good cause," said Una Copper, Bowie's communications coordinator.

This charitable dining experience is one of many efforts the city has spearheaded since it adopted D'Iberville in February.

The city of Bowie became interested in an adoption program after Bowie High School students attending a city council meeting made the suggestion. The city reviewed a list of a dozen cities before making its choice.

"We wanted somewhere we could make a difference," said Cooper.

D'Iberville was ravaged by 18-20 foot-high waves during Katrina.

A third of its 8,000 residents, are displaced from their homes and are living either with other family members or in FEMA trailers. The town's middle school was completely destroyed. Its remaining schools were also badly affected.

Since the adoption, Bowie has busily created efforts to get money and supplies for the badly damaged town. The Bowie Chamber of Commerce has collected office supplies and Staples gift cards for the D'Iberville Chamber of Commerce. The city has also posted a wish list of school supplies for the town's high school on Amazon.com.

Cooper said she has received positive responses about the initiatives collectively deemed "Project D'Iberville," including one response from a D'Iberville High School teacher.

"She said books and videos are coming all the time from Bowie," said Cooper.

"Dining for D'Iberville" is a continuation of these efforts.

The city contacted 80 different restaurants and fast food chains around Bowie to participate in "Dining for D'Iberville." Of the contacted restaurants, Three Italian Brothers in Bowie Town Center, Burger King in Bowie Plaza, the Retro Tea & Gift Room and TJ Elliot's Restaurant each participated on one of the two days. Pizzeria Uno in Bowie Town Center participated both days.

Retro Tea Room, usually closed on Mondays, opened up all day on April 24 to contribute to the effort.

"I really feel for the people of D'Iberville and we want to help out," said Jill Dickey, owner of Retro Tea & Gift Room.

The tearoom usually sponsors fundraiser events for the school system like career fairs and "Teacher Teas," teas sold to benefit local schools. However, Dickey said she heard of efforts to help D'Iberville and wanted to help.

"This seemed like an acute need," said Dickey.

The city plans to continue raising money and supplies for the Mississippi town as long as it can. Plans include an upcoming effort to create a citywide yard sale.