United Way Asks Residents to "Dine United"

It was an offer 17 area restaurants couldn't refuse.

For its 2008 campaign kickoff, the United Way of Northwest Florida will increase customer traffic into participating restaurants on Thursday, September 4.

In return, restaurant owners will donate a portion of the day's proceeds - or in some cases, a flat contribution - to the United Way.

To promote the "Dine United" event, United Way has staged a media blitz, with partnering media organizations contributing free on-air and print advertising that encourages dining at participating restaurants.

Traditionally, the United Way has benefited the most from employee payroll deductions at businesses and other agencies that support United Way's efforts.

The United Way provides financial support to a number of local non-profit agencies, including the Gulf County Senior Citizens Association and Gulf County Association for Retarded Citizens.

In conceiving "Dine United," United Way sought to expand its reach into the restaurant industry, which has a higher rate of employee turnover than other United Way sponsors.

"We were trying to think about how we could go after an industry, where we could offer something and get in and out with a clean process," said Ron Sharpe, United Way of Northwest Florida's Regional Resource Development Director.

According to Sharpe, the response has been overwhelmingly favorable.

"The feedback we're hearing from the restaurants, is 'Why would we not?'"

Restaurants can designate local organizations to receive their donations, or they can go towards United Way's general fund.

At the end of this year's fundraising campaign - Nov. 13 is the tentative deadline - an executive committee will review requests from area non-profit organizations and distribute the funds.

This year, United Way has set a $58,000 goal for Gulf County. Last year, United Way raised $56,000, up from $38,000 in 2006.

Sharpe will be making frequent appearances in Gulf County between now and November.

He will give a presentation to Gulf County employees on Sept. 11, and remain at the courthouse the entire day to answer any questions.

Gulf County employees gave $2,816 last year in donations and payroll deductions.

The leading contributors to last year's campaign were the Gulf County Correctional Instiution (contributing $10,138), Arizona Chemical ($8,756) and Vision Bank ($4,240).

To make a financial contribution to the United Way of Northwest Florida, or for more information, contact Ron Sharpe at (850) 215-6749 or (850) 348-0727.

Area restaurants participating in United Way's "Dine United" fundraiser:

Dockside Cafe and Raw Bar

Gracie O'Malley's

Killer Seafood

Loggerhead Grill

Mango Marley's

Maxine's

Palm Tree Books

Petals 'N Things

Prickly Pears

Sunset Coastal Grill

The Lazy Grouper

The Thirsty Goat

Two Crabs Seafood

Amanda's Bistro

Fish House

Regan's Pub and Oyster Bar

Harry A's