Restaurants throughout the region have partnered with the Bangor Lions Club to issue the 2008-2009 Gourmet Club Book, set for release Monday, Nov. 3.

The book is the Lions Club primary fundraising vehicle for its many charitable endeavors throughout the year.

The book sells for $20 and contains coupons good for hundreds of dollars in free restaurant meals. According to the Lions, the majority of the books are bought for personal use, though many people buy multiple copies to give as stocking stuffers to friends, co-workers and family members.

The popular buy-one-entr?e-get-one-free format is back, and the Lions have worked with the restaurants to make the coupons easier to use than in past years – more dinner coupons and fewer restrictions.

Founded in 1923, the Bangor Lions Club is a service organization most known for addressing the needs of the blind and visually impaired.

While this is the club’s focus – Helen Keller once challenged the Lions to be “knights for the blind”- the Bangor Lions also assist other causes, including Little League baseball, the Bangor Y, Camp CaPella, Literacy Volunteers and The Salvation Army.

“The proceeds from the Gourmet Book are our bread and butter,” said the club “King Lion” Patricia Martin. “There are a lot of folks right here in our community who count on our help.”

This year, the book contains coupons from many old favorites, and also new participating restaurants.

“Our restaurants have been outstanding – they know what this project means to the community,” said Martin. “So many people have told us what a great idea this is. People get free meals and help others at the same time. And of course, with the high cost of everything now, a book full of free meals can certainly help the one who buys the book, too.”

Books will be available at many locations throughout the area. For information, call 262-2530.