Event supports local non-profits during critical times
Interlakes Area United Way (IAUW) is calling on Lake County residents to dine local on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, during the annual Dine Out to Donate event. On this day, participating eateries will give a portion of their sales to IAUW to help fund nonprofit services in Lake, Miner and Moody counties
In 2024, the event raised $4,645, bringing the running total since 2017 to $33,002. With several local agencies, including Interlakes Community Action Partnership (ICAP), facing potential cuts in federal funding, this year’s support is more important than ever.
“Some of the agencies we support are already seeing reduced funding, and others are at risk of losing vital resources,” said Karen Giles, Interim Executive Director of IAUW. “When you dine at a participating business on October 1, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re helping preserve services for neighbors in need.”
Lake County participating businesses:
The Broadwater Bar • Classic Corner • Country Café • Dairy Queen • Go Go Burrito • One Stop • Pizza Ranch of Madison • Sporty’s Bar & Grill • Stadium Sports Grill • Strive 605 • Subway (in Madison) • Lakes Bar & Grill • The Office • Gaylen’s Gourmet Popcorn • Dakota Cinema • Hef’s Bar & Grill • Cherry Lanes • PrimeTime Tavern • The Shipwreck Bar & Grill
Moody County participating businesses:
Bluejays Bar & Grill • JJ’s Coffee Spot
Event sponsors — Madison Golf & Country Club, 2nd Street Diner and The Point — are also supporting this year’s effort. While their kitchens will not be open on October 1, we encourage residents to support them on other days to show appreciation for their generosity.
Funds raised through Dine Out to Donate support IAUW’s campaign, which helps sustain programs across the three counties, ranging from food and housing assistance to childcare, education, health, and more.
IAUW awarded over $129,000 to 27 non-profits in 2025. Local recipients included ICAP 60’s Plus Dining, Domestic Violence Network, East Dakota Transit, High Plains Alternative School and Lake County First Responders, among others.
“United Way funding aides us with our daily operating costs, such as fuel and maintenance on our vehicles,” said Andrea Irwin, East Dakota Transit director. “More importantly, it allows our services to reach more members of our growing community, whether they are needing rides to school, to the grocery store, or to medical appointments. Our service allows them to be valued members of the community and adds to their quality of life.”
How to help:
- Dine (or get take-out) at participating businesses on October 1, 2025.
- Encourage family, friends and co-workers to do the same.
- Support the event sponsors on other days of the year.
Pledge forms for IAUW’s 2026 campaign will be delivered to postal customers in the area in the coming weeks. Donations to the 2026 campaign can be made online any time at IAUW’s website.
For more details, follow IAUW on Facebook and Instagram.
