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 2026 State of ALICE Report, based on 2024 data, 12% of Illinois households were living below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). However, this measure failed to account for an additional 26% of households experiencing financial hardship. These households are ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — earning above the FPL, but not enough to afford basic expenses in the county where they live. Together, 38% of Illinois households struggled to afford the basics. 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 Joey at: uwoffice@uwni.org.
To find out more about who ALICE is, click here to visit United for ALICE.
Currently Participating Restaurants:
We are currently seeking restaurants, cafes, and eateries to participate!
Past Participating Restaurants:
- Full Circle Cafe and Collective
- Lena Fast Stop (prepared food only)
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.