What is Dine United?
Dine United is a community fundraising event where participating restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds from a select day or days to United Way of Northwest Illinois. Proceeds go directly towards programs that support individuals experiencing moments of financial hardship within our communities.
Why Should You Dine United?
According to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) survey in 2023, 12% of Illinois households were financially insecure. Yet this measure failed to account for an additional 25% of households that were also experiencing financial hardship. These households are ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - with income above the FPL, but not enough to fully afford basic expenses in the county where they live. When you support restaurants participating in Dine United, you are directly supporting your own community.
If you are a patron who wishes to participate, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or come back to this page to see participating restaurants and days!
If you are a restaurant who wishes to participate please contact the United Way of Northwest Illinois office at 815-232-5184 or email marketing and development: jamie.cullor@uwni.org.
To find out more about who ALICE is, click here to visit United for ALICE.
Currently Participating Restaurants:
Why Participate in Dine United?
As a patron, participating in Dine United:
Allows you to give back locally for a good cause
- Support critical services in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll Counties.
- Help children, families, and individuals who are currently employed but having difficulty in making ends meet or experiencing an unplanned emergency expense.
As a local business, participating in Dine United:
Creates a positive public image
- Customers appreciate businesses that care about the community.
- Show that your restaurant is a local leader in giving back.
Offers promotion and exposure
- United Way of Northwest Illinois will promote your restaurant across our website, social media, and newsletters.
- Your participation will be seen by thousands of potential diners.
Can boost your business
- Dine United can drive additional foot traffic.
- Community members are encouraged to support participating restaurants on event days.
Restaurants pick a day in which they wish to participate. A percentage of every sale (no minimum required) is then donated to United Way of Northwest Illinois to support individuals experiencing moments of financial hardship within our communities.