The United Way of Crookston will be holding their annual fundraiser, “Dine Out Week,” beginning on Monday, January 24, and going through Sunday, January 30.
United Way Executive Director Libby Boucher says this is one of the easiest fundraisers for the community to participate in. “Dine Out Week is one of the easiest fundraisers for us because basically, the community goes and eats good food, and we get a portion of that money,” said Boucher. “This year, we have a lot of different restaurants that are participating, and it’s a great opportunity for people to support the United Way.”
The restaurants participating in the fundraiser are Scobey’s Pub & Grub, Joe’s Diner, RBJ’s, Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor, Mugoo’s Pizza, Drafts Sports Bar & Grill, McDonald’s, and the Irishman’s Shanty. As Boucher mentioned, the fundraiser is simple, spend money at these restaurants throughout the upcoming week, and some of the proceeds will support programs the United Way of Crookston helps fund.
Boucher also says the United Way has had an excellent year raising funds thanks to the community’s generosity. “We have had a great year so far,” said Boucher. “This is my first year in the role, and I have been nervous about trying to raise money, but we are already at 90% of our goal, and we still have this fundraiser and a couple of other fundraisers coming up as well.”
Boucher took over this past May, leaving four months for the United Way to hit the final 10% of their fundraising goal in her first year. The United Way supports multiple programs throughout the Crookston area, and twenty-plus agencies benefit from the community’s donations to the United Way. These agencies include but are not limited to reading programs, food programs, and basic needs.
Boucher talked about the process once the United Way receives the money and mentioned a few programs that benefit. “The way it works is that an agency will fill out an application, and then once we have the money, we can then give them a donation based on their needs,” said Boucher. “it helps so many great programs, and there are so many services that we wouldn’t be able to do what they do without the money from these fundraisers. Home Delivered Meals, Hospice of the Red River Valley, the Care and Share in Crookston are all programs that benefit from the generosity of the community through these fundraisers.”
The “Dine Out Week” will begin tomorrow and continue throughout the week. No specification is required at each restaurant when you order. Anything purchased from participating restaurants will automatically send money to the United Way of Crookston to support their programs. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Crookston United Way and its mission, you can call 218-281-1715.
