EATING OUT CAN HELP RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES

Eating a meal at a restaurant Thursday can help raise money for the Area Wide United Way through the second annual Restaurants Organized for Charity.

On Thursday, participating restaurants in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City will donate a percentage of sales generated through coupons or a flat contribution to the United Way. The Area Wide United Way supports 25 local agencies.

Last year, nearly 20 restaurants participated in the effort, raising more than $2,000.

To participate, fill out a coupon that can be found in the Southeast Missourian or at the United Way office, 1858 Broadway and take it to one of the participating restaurants. Fifteen percent of the total coupon sales will be donated to the United Way.

Participating restaurants include Papa John's Pizza, Grecian Steak House, Mac's Smokehouse, Pagoda Gardens, Imo's Pizza, the Jade Restaurant, Cedar Street, In the Wine Cellar, Blimpie's Subs and Salads, Little Caesar's Pizza, Port Cape Girardeau, Heavenly Ham, Domino's Pizza, Celebrations by Request and BG's Olde Tyme Deli and Saloon.

"I encourage everyone to support the local restaurants because the more participants we have, the greater impact we can have on our local communities," said Dennis (Doc) Cain, owner of Port Cape Girardeau.

This is a great opportunity to take the family out to dinner and make a difference in the community by supporting United Way, said Mark Dirnberger, general manager of Cedar Street at Drury Lodge and president of the Southeast Chapter of the Missouri Restaurant Association.

For more information on United Way or Restaurants Organized for Charity, call the Area Wide United Way office at 334-9634.