Mentor – United Way of Lake County’s 6th Annual Dine-to-Donate fundraiser will be held Tuesday, April 16th. The fundraiser is part of the organization’s Feed Lake County program, which is now in its twenty-seventh year.
UWLC helps feed Lake County’s hungry by providing food to over 50 local food pantries in the community. Dine-to- Donate contributes to this by helping to raise funds for the purchase of food. On April 16 of this year, a number of Lake County restaurants will donate a portion of their daily revenue to UWLC’s Feed Lake County program
This year’s Dine-to-Donate fundraiser has been coordinated by United Way of Lake County’s Emerging Leaders (EL) and is sponsored by Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. in Mentor. The EL have themed the fundraiser a “Hunger Games Challenge,” dividing the county into three districts.
The Western District of Lake County is sponsored by Moving Ahead Services of Willoughby and participating restaurants from this district include Beal’s Pickle’s N Pints, Craggy Boglands, Fiona’s Coffee Bar & Bakery, Frank & Tony’s Place, Garage Bar, Nickleby’s Roundbar & Kitchen, Panini’s Bar & Grill, SOL, Spirits in Willoughby, The Morehouse and The Wild Goose. Participating restaurants from Lake County’s Central District, sponsored by Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. in Mentor, include Anderson’s Sports Pub & Eatery, Clean Eatz, Froyo Twist (both Mentor locations), Longo’s (in Mentor and Mentor-on-the Lake), Manhattan Deli, Molinari’s, Pastina Rustic Italian Kitchen, San Francisco Stir Fry and TJ’s on the Avenue. And the East District is sponsored by Musser Lino Health & Wellness Center in Mentor and participating restaurants include Bistro 70, Burgers 2 Beer, Nouveau Bistro & Lounge, Panini’s Bar & Grille, Perkins, Pub Frato Gastropub and Redhawk Grill. A list of these restaurants and their locations, including any additional that are added prior to April 16th can be found on UWLC’s website at www.www.uwlc.org/dine-donate-tuesday-april-16.
The EL are asking residents to dine out at any participating restaurant on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. EL Cabinet Chair, Andy Phelps of PNC, expressed his appreciation, “We want to thank the restaurants, sponsors and their patrons for their participation and continued support of the fundraiser. We encourage everyone to check out the list of places and see which of your favorites are participating. “
According to Tami Lewis, United Way of Lake County’s Marketing and Communications Director, “We hope the community will come together to impact hunger by dining at any of the participating restaurants. It’s an easy way to help those suffering in Lake County. Other than the cost of your dining bill, there is no additional cost to participate.”
Residents can also impact hunger by making a monetary donation. Every $5 gift we receive is enough to provide 20 meals. Donations can be made online at uwlc.org/feed or by calling Feed Lake County Program Manager Jodi Matsko at 440-639-1236. “
Because the need is so great, Lewis said the organization is offering a donor incentive. “With every $5 donated, those who give will receive one contest entry for a chance to win an LG 55" Smart LED TV. With a $25 donation, donors will receive 5 separate contest entries for a chance to win, and so on,” said Lewis. The contest ends April 30, 2019, and the winner will be randomly selected on or about May 16, 2019.
The organization is also accepting non-perishable food donations which may be dropped off at the offices of United Way of Lake County at 9285 Progress Parkway in Mentor or at any of the locations listed on their website at www.uwlc.org/feed-lake-county-events. Arrangements can also be made for UWLC to pick up food by contacting Jodi Matsko at 440-639-1236.
Needed non-perishable food items include peanut butter & jelly; pasta and sauce; canned meats such as tuna, chicken, and spam and ham; canned fruits, vegetables, soups and stews; boxed food and meals like mac & cheese, tuna helper, rice and more.
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