• 
• No Kid Hungry

  Join the national movement of people committed to ending childhood hunger in America.

  Learn More »

• Cooking Matters

  Empowers families with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to prepare healthy and affordable meals.

  Learn More »

• Great American Dine Out

  Join us September 16-22, 2012 for the fifth annual Dine Out For No Kid Hungry!

  Learn More »

• Great American Bake Sale

  A national campaign that mobilizes Americans to end childhood hunger by holding bake sales in their communities.

  Learn More »

• Culinary Events

  Fine dining and tasting events that help make sure no kid in America grows up hungry.

  Find an Event »

No Kid Hungry Blog

I'm Dining Out. Are You?

Posted by Ruthann Swain on Monday, September 20, 2010

I have participated in the Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out for the past two years as a diner. This year I decided to arrange Dine Outs with friends, as the cause has become very near and dear to my heart and I wanted to do more. Plus it was a great excuse to get out of the house and dine out with my friends!

First I needed to find a restaurant. So I went to the very easy to use Great American Dine Out web site. On the “find a restaurant“ page I plugged in my zip code and found participating restaurants in my area. I narrowed down my selection to two restaurants; Joe’s Crab Shack and TGI Friday’s. After finding a location, I visited each restaurant’s website to learn of their dine out promotion, then called the restaurant to find out the details.

First, I called Joe’s Crab Shack and I must give a shout out to the manager as he really talked the campaign up, told me all about it and how excited they were. They were really pushing to bring in the highest number of donations! But TGI Friday’s was closer to where I live, so we decided to go there (sorry Joe’s Crab Shack!).

When we arrived they were having a bartender contest so the joint was energetic and crazy! Perfect night for a dine out! We sat down, ordered drinks and I asked the waiter about how they were participating in the Great American Dine Out. He said he had heard something, but wasn’t sure, but he would certainly find out.

In a very few minutes the manager came over, and explained the TGI Friday’s coupon book promotion. Customers can donate $5 and get $15 dollars in coupons! What a deal! So I gave him $5 and got my book, one free appetizer, one free dessert and $5 off a purchase of $15 or more. Not a bad return for a small donation.

We ordered our food, and enjoyed the rest of the evening of good food, good friends, and eavesdropping on the crazy bartender contest! I am looking forward to my next Dine Out — it feels good to dine out and know that you are helping kids in America.

Here are a few more photos from my visit:

« Previous Entry  

Next Entry »

September 20, 2010 | 0 comment(s) | Tags: event, great american dine out, no kid hungry