Community support helps strengthen programs across three counties
The region once again came together to make a difference through Interlakes Area United Way’s (IAUW) 2026 Dine Out to Donate event. This year’s effort raised $5,551 to help fund programs that directly serve residents of Lake, Miner and Moody counties.
Marking its tenth year, Dine Out to Donate has raised more than $38,500 to support essential nonprofit services across the region.
“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our local businesses and community members,” said Karen Giles, IAUW executive director. “Every meal, snack, cup of coffee or donation adds up. We are grateful to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s event another success.”
Lake County participating businesses:
The Broadwater Bar • Cherry Lanes • Classic Corner • Country Cafe • Dairy Queen • Gaylen’s Gourmet Popcorn • Gary’s Bakery & Cafe • Go Go Burrito • Lakes Bar & Grill • Los Tapatios Mexican Restaurant • Rosie’s Farmhouse Cafe • The Office • OneStop • Pizza Ranch • The Point • Sporty’s Bar & Grill • Subway • Sundog Coffee
Food trucks/stands:
Annie’s Egg Rolls
The Salty Mare Coffee Co.
Moody County participating businesses:
BlueJays Bar & Grill • Grizzly Meats • Subway • The Wildcats Bar
Event sponsors — Madison Golf & Country Club, 2nd Street Diner and The Point. While their kitchens were not open on October 7, people were encouraged to support them on other days to show appreciation for their generosity.
Funds raised will help support IAUW’s 2027 campaign, Together, We Thrive!, which provides grants to nonprofit agencies delivering services across Lake, Miner and Moody counties. IAUW has received more than $179,000 in grant funding requests from 31 community partners across the three-county region. The organization’s 2027 campaign goal is $150,000.
Community members can support the campaign through individual donations, workplace giving and payroll deduction. Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about IAUW or hosting a workplace campaign can contact the United Way.
IAUW is also available to visit workplaces, businesses and civic groups to share more about its work and the local programs supported through community giving.
“Thank you to the participating businesses, donors and community members who made the tenth year of Dine Out to Donate a success. Your support helps our neighbors and strengthens the communities we call home,” Giles said.
Main picture: Officials from various Lake County participating businesses present a check of Dine Out to Donate earnings to IAUW board members and staff. Pictured, from left to right: Tom Bernard, Oakley Denne, Jada Baltazar, Tyler Backus, Steve Sims, Megan Schneider, Stormy Mette, Lori Gustaf, Amanda Weber, Tanya Hobson, and Karen Giles.