Patrons can enjoy a good meal and donate to a worthy cause by eating at one of six participating restaurants in the "Dine Out" event April 24.
Schuylkill Wellness Services, Pottsville, will receive 20 percent of the evening's food proceeds from each restaurant.
The organization, a participating agency of the United Way, provides prevention education, case management for HIV and HIV/STD screenings and is part of Co-County Wellness Services, Reading.
Carolyn Bazik, executive director of Co-County Wellness Services, said this is the main fundraiser in Schuylkill County for Schuylkill Wellness Services.
The Pottsville location provides services to between 5,000 and 7,000 people in the county a year, she said. With limited funds, "it's very difficult to meet the needs," of those seeking services, Bazik said.
Bazik said she thought the goal for this year was $15,000.
"Money is extremely important this year," she said considering cuts in funding.
Last year, the event exceeded its goal of $10,000, Bazik said.
Madeline's, The Brick House Grill and Oak Hill Inn, all of Orwigsburg; the Greystone Restaurant, Pottsville; Vito's Coal Fire Restaurant, Saint Clair; and Cactus Jacks Southwestern Grille, Minersville, are participating in the event.
Joe Mattera, owner of The Brick House Grill, said the business participates in a wide variety of worthy causes.
He said some dining at the restaurant come especially for the event.
"We do have people who seem to come here every year," he said.
Mark Rosenberger, general manager of the Greystone, said the restaurant has been participating for years.
"It's a good charity fundraiser event," he said.
Raffle tickets will be sold for $3 or four for $10, for a chance to win the grand prize of $500 cash. Other prizes include a full-day rental at Barefield Park, Pottsville; a two-day, one-night mid-week stay at Cove Haven in the Poconos; and a round of golf and dinner for two at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Mahanoy City.
For more information on the event or for raffle tickets, call 570-622-3980.
