Newton's Cook Restaurant Raising Money For Glen Doherty Foundation

BOSTON (CBS) - A small business owner is offering up his newest restaurant as a platform for good. Chef Paul Turano of Cook restaurant in Newton devised a plan for answering the multitude of charitable donations requests he receives, while doing more than just cutting a check.

Chef Turano's answer was to recruit local "celebrities" to roll up their sleeves in his kitchen, making special flatbreads to sell for charity.

"It's a win-win for everyone," Turano told WBZ-TV. "The charity is happy because they have a chance to interact with the public and spread their message while making money for a great cause. And customers are happy because they're getting something for their donation."

Turano covers the cost of the ingredients so that 100 percent of the proceeds benefit a charity chosen by his guest chef for the night. Past celebrity chefs have included the Mayor of Newton, Setti Warren, and New York Times best-selling author Ben Mezrich with his wife, fashion designer Tonya Mezrich.

This Thursday, August 20th, WBZ's Bree Sison will get to work for the Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation.

Doherty died in a terror attack in Benghazi, Libya, on September 12, 2012.

He served his country as a Navy SEAL before becoming a private security officer assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Libya. The foundation in his name provides current and former special operations professionals, from all branches of government, the means necessary to transition and succeed in civilian life.

"It really [the foundation] just keeps his memory alive," his sister, Kate Quigley of Marblehead, told WBZ. "He had a gift of getting amazing people together for a great cause and that's what we're continuing to do and it feels great."

Beginning in 2013 with a road race through Doherty's hometown of Winchester, GDMF raised scholarship money for more than a dozen special operators and their family members. Quigley says the mission - to help military heroes find success in the civilian world - is one that can use all the support it gets.

"They [special operations members] have a hard time finding the niche when they want to transition out [of the military] because they don't know where they really fit," said Quigley. "We are really proud of what the foundation has been able to accomplish so far."

Chef Turano says it's causes like GDMF that make it worth sacrificing the cost of the food it takes to make the flatbreads.

'"I transition from making cheeseburgers to pizza, and that's a lot easier than what military families do. If we have a chance to give something back, I'm happy to do it," Turano said.

On Thursday night, customers who order "The Bree" special, will be giving $15 directly to GDMF. The house-made bruschetta flatbread with honey-thyme ricotta, prosciutto and peaches will be delivered to your table by Bree.

Cook restaurant is located at 825 Washington Street in Newton.

Reservations are recommended.  Call 617-964-2665.

If you are unable to attend Thursday evening but still wish to donate to GDMF, please visit their website.