Ballard restaurant owner Vhanthip (Nancy) Bhokayasupatt has raised over $171,000 for charity through her annual Thai Siam Benefit Dinner, now in its 20th year.

"As a restaurant, we have the resources to do this kind of thing. To reach out to people is a great service," said Bhokayasupatt.

The next Thai Siam fundraiser is on Sunday, August 19 from 12:30-8:30 p.m. The event averages 700 to 800 people each year. Some make monetary donations beyond the dinner price.

Proceeds from the dinner this year will go to Cancer Lifeline, the Union Gospel Mission and Children's Hospital.

This is the third year Cancer Lifeline has been chosen to receive a donation. "When people have cancer, they need a safe place to go," said Bhokayasupatt.

Thai Siam has provided food for Tent City residents and the homeless. It's one reason why the Union Gospel Mission receives supported. "They have been around 70 plus years. They help people get back on their feet," said Bhokayasupatt.

"Parents with no money have real burden," said Bhokayasupatt, referring to the crucial role Children's Hospital plays.

When Thai Siam opened 20 years ago, Bhokayasupatt wanted to thank her customers with a raffle. The prize would have been a trip to an exotic location, but she decided this would only benefit two people who won the lottery.

Bhokayasupatt decided to hold a dinner and raise money for the Children's Hospital Foundation. A total of $1,109 dollars was collected.

Each year the dinner brought in more money.

By 1993, the fundraising total had grown to $3,397.61. The money hit four digits in 1999 with $11,640.00.

Last year the dinner total was an all-time high of $19,200.00. Proceeds went to: the Union Gospel Mission; Cancer Lifeline; and the Foundation of the Blind in Thailand.

Other recipients in the past have included: the Kalakala Foundation; Epilepsy Foundation; the North Seattle Boys and Girls Club; Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer; Children's Hospital Foundation; and the American Red Cross for Terrorist Victims.

"All these are good charities," Bhokayasupatt said.

She can identify with cancer patients after overcoming the disease herself. Bhokayasupatt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2001. Fortunately the disease was in the early stages.

Bhokayasupatt said fortunately her employees kept the restaurant in operation during her illness. She took a year off to receive cancer treatments and came back to work at the restaurant in full health. To this day, Bhokayasupatt is cancer free.

As a sociology student at the University of Washington, Bhokayasupatt impressed friends with the cooking style she learned from her mother and grandmother in Thailand.

Thai Siam has been a success in a field where many businesses fail. Bhokayasupatt believes in good food, quality service and fostering a family atmosphere in her restaurant.

The staff at Thai Siam is close. "We have been working together, some over ten years. You cannot work long hours without a sense of family," said Bhokayasupatt .

Some customers come to the fundraising dinner to volunteer their time.

"We want to connect with the community and the community to connect with us. The community is the heart of our business," said Bhokayasupatt .

This year's dinner features 15 items. Some of the menu items includes:Thai Siam phad thai; red curry salmon; heavenly chicken; and Rama Garden.

Entertainment will be provided by traditional this dancers with Thai music.

The fundraiser is $20 per person, children under 12, $6.

Thai Siam is located at 8305 15th Ave. N.W. Visit http://www.ThaiSiamRestaurant.com.Call 784-5456.