Dine Out to Donate revamped for COVID-19

Interlakes Area United Way selling gift cards to 21 area businesses October 1-31

Each October, Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) asks people to Dine Out to Donate. The annual event invites people to dine at participating restaurants on one designated day with a portion of sales donated to United Way.

IAUW plans to host the fundraising event again this year but has revamped the format to align with COVID-19 safety measures.

“In our current environment, we don’t want everyone rushing out to businesses on the same day and at the same time. This year, we’re asking people to donate now and dine out later,” said IAUW President Lori Gustaf.

For the month of October, IAUW will be selling gift certificates and gift cards to various dining establishments in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties. Participating businesses have agreed to donate a portion of the total sales to IAUW.

“I think this event could be very successful for both United Way and our local restaurants,” Gustaf said. “We’re all doing our part to social distance, which is great for public health but is hard on the food service industry. In this new format, you can support your favorite local dining establishment as well as important community service programs while still following social distancing guidelines.”

All gift cards and certificates can be purchased online at interlakesunitedway.org/dineout or by calling 605-291-6359. Each business has also been assigned a QR code that can be accessed on flyers, on display within the establishment.

Sales will take place October 1 through October 31. Participating businesses include:

Subway in Flandreau and One Stop in Madison are participating but in their own special way. Subway in Flandreau will be hosting designated Dine Out to Donate days throughout the month of October with a portion of each day’s sales donated to United Way. One Stop is selling $10 car wash gift cards in order to raise funds for United Way.

This is the fourth year IAUW has kicked off their annual campaign drive with Dine Out to Donate. Since 2017, the event has raised $7,500.

IAUW aims to create long-lasting changes by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, income and health. Pledge forms with donation details for IAUW’s 2021 campaign drive will be delivered to postal customers in the area in the coming weeks.