The new John Howie Steak restaurant filled quickly during the Assistance League of the Eastside benefit dinner Friday, prior to the restaurant’s opening on September 12.

Proprietor John Howie donated a hundred percent of the proceeds from the evening to the league, an all-volunteer non-profit organization for the Bellevue and Redmond community.

The benefit dinner raised more than $13,000 for the organization, one of more than 120 chapters of the National Assistance League. The Eastside chapter has helped over 29,000 people and returned over $2.5 million to the community.

Restaurant owner and chef Howie launched his new 9,000-square-foot signature steak restaurant at The Shops at The Bravern, hosting a number of charity-based dining events leading up to opening night this past weekend.

“John is so gracious for hosting this event and donating the proceeds to the Assistance League,” said Kathleen Mercer, the president of Assistance League of the Eastside. “The money raised from this event will go right back into the Bellevue community.”

The league will use the donations from the benefit dinner for its philanthropic programs including Operation School Bell, an annual program which provides new back-to-school clothing to students in need. Last year, Operation School Bell clothed over 21,000 children in 47 area schools with the help of a community partnership with Fred Meyer.

Assistance League members and friends joined together to show their support for both the organization and local Bellevue businesses at the John Howie event. Dinner guests were invited to mingle in the piano lounge prior to being seated. John Howie Steak offers a wine list featuring over 60 wines by the glass and more than 600 bottle selections as well as seasonal cocktails and top shelf single-malt scotch and fine cognacs.

The restaurant includes a runway style entry with tables on either side leading into a large dining room and two private dining areas available for meetings or special events. More than 134 guests were served samplings from the full menu including custom-aged USDA prime steak, American-style Kobe and Japanese Waygu beef, as well as fresh seasonal fish, seafood and chops.

John Howie Steak is located on the second level of The Bravern, located on the corner of Northeast Eighth Street and 112th Avenue Northeast.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.