The 8th Annual Dine Out to Donate event was another success, raising $5,002.04 in support of Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) and its 2025 campaign drive. This brings the total amount raised by Dine Out to Donate since 2017 to an impressive $28,357.
Held on October 2, 2024, the event saw 23 local restaurants, bars and businesses come together to donate a portion of their sales to help fund essential services and programs in the community.
“We are thrilled with the continued support from our local businesses and residents,” said Melissa Dougan, executive director of IAUW. “Every dollar raised goes directly toward meeting the critical needs of individuals and families in Lake, Miner, and Moody Counties.”
The funds raised through this year’s Dine Out to Donate will go toward IAUW’s 2025 campaign drive, which is already underway. Pledge forms are being distributed to businesses across the area to encourage donations.
This year, IAUW’s non-profit partner agencies have submitted grant funding requests totaling $141,886 to support programs that provide food, shelter, healthcare, education, and more to those in need.
“Our community relies on these programs, and with rising demand, we need every bit of support we can get,” Dougan added. “Dine Out to Donate plays a vital role in helping us meet those needs.”
Dine Out to Donate participating businesses included:
- 2nd Street Diner, in Madison
- Bluejays Bar & Grill, in Egan
- The Broadwater, on Lake Madison
- Cherry Lanes, in Madison
- Classic Corner, in Madison
- Country Café, in Madison
- Dakota Cinema, in Madison
- Dairy Queen, in Madison
- Hef’s Bar & Grill, in Chester
- JJ’s Coffee Spot, in Flandreau
- The Lakes Bar & Grill, on Lake Madison
- Madison Golf & Country Club, in Madison
- The Merc, in Flandreau
- Nicky’s Restaurant & Lounge, in Madison
- The Office, in Madison
- One Stop, in Madison
- Pizza Ranch, in Madison
- PrimeTime Tavern, in Madison
- Shipwreck Bar & Grill, on Brandt Lake
- Sporty’s Bar & Grill, in Madison
- Stadium Sports Grill, in Madison
- Strive 605, in Madison
- Subway, in Madison
IAUW will announce 2025 funding after the new year. The organization awarded $134,747 in grant funding to 27 non-profit partners in 2024.
For more information on how to support IAUW’s campaign, including details on how to win a $500 VISA Gift Card with your qualifying pledge, click here.