(Feb. 22, 2013) The Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association this week officially announced a partnership with Diakonia for “Diakonia’s Dine Out Days,” set to take place Wednesday and Thursday, April 24-25.
“It’s an opportunity for local restaurants to support local people in need of food, shelter and support services,” said Debbi Anderson, Diakonia board member and special events chairwoman. The Diakonia residence, located in West Ocean City, provides emergency and transitional housing, food services, counseling and assistance to its guests.
“Restaurants are asked to participate by donating a percentage of their profits for April 24 and/or April 25 and to join us in promoting the event in the coming weeks,” Anderson said. “Community members are asked to gather their friends, families, co-workers and ‘Dine Out’ at a participating restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy a meal out and help others at the same time.”
The registration deadline for restaurants to be included in the event’s promotional material is April 12. Restaurants may register after April 12, but they will not be featured in the published restaurant list /marketing materials.
A booth will be set up during the OCHMRA Trade Expo, March 3-4, at the Ocean City convention center on 40th Street with additional information. Registration forms will be available at that time.
“Last year, Diakonia established its first special events committee with community volunteers who generously support Diakonia’s efforts. With their many years of experience in the Ocean City community, they developed ideas for fundraising events [and] this was one of them,” Anderson said. “Last year we had 26 participating restaurants, raising over $6,000. This year, we’re looking for even greater participation by restaurants and more community members supporting us by eating out.”
Last year, the event, “Dine Out for Diakonia,” was held only one day. This year, “Diakonia’s Dine Out Days,” will take place two days.
Diakonia provides emergency and transitional housing, food assistance and support services 365 days a year. For more than 40 years, the organization has brought “help for today and hope for tomorrow to the members of our community who are dealing with the issues of homelessness and hunger,” Anderson said.
All of the funds raised through Diakonia’s Dine Out Days will be used to support programs and services in the community.
For more information about Diakonia’s Dine Out Days, contact Anderson at 410-250-0315.
