On behalf of all participating businesses, Steve Sims (second from left), DeLon Mork and Cam Shafer presented 2023 Dine Out to Donate earnings to IAUW President Lori Gustaf, far left, and Executive Director Melissa Dougan, far right. Sims owns Subway, Mork owns Dairy Queen and Shafer owns Sporty’s Bar & Grill.
Seventh annual event raises nearly $6K
It was a record setting year for Interlakes Area United Way’s (IAUW) annual fundraiser Dine Out to Donate. Not only did a record number of businesses participate but the amount raised eclipsed last year’s total by a thousand dollars.
“We are privileged to say it every year, but this year’s event was the most successful to date,” said IAUW Executive Director Melissa Dougan. “Twenty-nine businesses raised $5,778 towards our current campaign. The support from the public and business owners is just incredible.”
This is the seventh year IAUW has partnered with local eateries for the fundraiser, which was held October 4. Since 2017, the event has raised more than $22,000.
“Thank you to business owners, managers and staff for their hard work on this important day, as well as to all the patrons. This is a terrific kickoff to our annual campaign drive,” Dougan said.
For the event, 29 restaurants, eateries, food trucks and a movie theater in Lake, Miner and Moody Counties pledged to donate a portion of the day’s sales to IAUW. Participating businesses included:
- 2nd Street Diner, in Madison
- Bluejays Bar & Grill, in Egan
- The Broadwater, on Lake Madison
- Classic Corner, in Madison
- Country Café, in Madison
- Dairy Queen, in Madison
- Dakota Cinema, in Madison
- Fadeaway’s food truck
- Fat Kid Filly’s food truck
- Firehouse Subs food truck
- Hef’s Bar & Grill, in Chester
- Hillside Steakhouse and BluCabana Bar, on Lake Madison
- JJ’s Coffee Spot, in Flandreau
- Mad Mary’s Steakhouse, in Flandreau
- Madison Golf & Country Club, in Madison
- Nicky’s Restaurant, in Madison
- Old Farmhouse Café, in Chester
- OneStop, in Madison
- Pizza Ranch, in Madison
- PrimeTime Tavern, in Madison
- Sheep Flockers food truck
- Shipwreck Bar & Grill, on Brandt Lake
- Sporty’s Bar & Grill, in Madison
- Stadium Sports Grill, in Madison
- Strive 605, in Madison
- Subway, in Madison
- Sundog Coffee, in Madison
- The Lakes Bar & Grill, on Lake Madison
- The Office, in Madison
IAUW provides financial support to non-profit, community service agencies and programs in Lake, Miner and Moody counties. It aims to create long-lasting changes by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, financial stability and health.
IAUW’s current campaign drive is underway, and the organization will announce 2024 funding after the new year. IAUW awarded nearly $130,000 in grant funding to 31 non-profit partners in 2023.
Featured image: On behalf of all participating businesses, Steve Sims, DeLon Mork and Cam Shafer presented 2023 Dine Out to Donate earnings to IAUW President Lori Gustaf, far left, and Executive Director Melissa Dougan. Sims owns Subway, Mork owns Dairy Queen and Shafer owns Sporty’s Bar & Grill.