10/21/13 Three popular restaurants will complete the seven-week run of Dine Out for United Way. Two Culver hotspots will be participating—The Culver Coffee Company and Lakehouse Grill as well as Plymouth’s own Ponderosa Steakhouse. The program comes to a halt October 27 so there’s still time to do your part.
Tom Blackburn, Events Committee Chair on the United Way Board and owner of Ponderosa, has been thrilled with the response. He’s been one of Dine Out’s biggest supporters since its inception in addition to organizing Dine Out with daughter Kathryn DeJarnatt.
“The best thing we did was spread out the dining opportunities so restaurants weren’t competing. We’ll be able to build on this concept,” Blackburn said.
Dave Teeter of Granny’s who has been participating since 2010 just completed their week. He, too, was thrilled with the response. His entry box for prize drawings was stuffed to overflowing with orange slips and business was brisk. He also appreciated the fact that restaurants weren’t competing for business.
Blackburn reported Bob Evans Restaurant participated in a four-day coupon event and was excited to be involved—they’re ready to hop on board again.
The Culver restaurants will be participating in Culver Fall Fest over the weekend. Though not advertised, Mark Damore of Lakehouse Grille in Culver decided to participate, too. On Sat., Oct. 26, they will be hosting their popular annual Halloween party complete with a costume contest. A guitar will be given away this year, too.
The Culver Coffee Company has been a long-time participant since the program was established. Dawn Minas Brockey, owner, has always been one of the first on board.
Facebook played a big part in the program’s success. Linda Yoder, Executive Director, remarked that photos taken at the various restaurants received the most ‘hits’. Blackburn plans to visit each restaurant at the conclusion for an additional photo op and big thank you. And then the drawing will take place for a variety of items.
Diners have been encouraged to fill out one of the bright orange entry forms each time they dine to be eligible for the grand prizes of a $500 gift certificate from Lowe’s and tickets to the Indianapolis Colts vs. St. Louis Rams on November 10. A myriad of gift certificates donated by participating restaurants will also be given out.
For more information about the United Way of Marshall County, the 2013 campaign and the many agencies, programs and services supported by UWMC, call 574.936.3366 or email info@marshallcountyuw.org.
