Thank you for dining out on April 23, 2008 to benefit Open Hand!

From upscale to downhome, from Buckhead to Decatur, and Alpharetta to Athens, patrons at some of the area’s favorite restaurants enjoyed great food and great company as they helped raise money for Open Hand during the annual Dining Out for Life event, held on Wednesday, April 23.

On that day, participating restaurants around Atlanta generously donated 20% of food and beverage sales to Open Hand to help us fulfill our mission.

Dining Out for Life restaurants included upscale hot spots like Shaun’s, Home and TROIS, longtime favorites such as Agave, Baraonda and the Colonnade, and casual restaurants like Roasters, Taqueria del Sol and ROXX Tavern. 

“The buzz and excitement of Dining Out for Life night is awesome,” said Tom Murphy of Murphy’s Restaurant.  “On a Wednesday – typically a slow day for most restaurants – you’ve got all of Atlanta coming out to enjoy great food, great company and a great cause. Many people take the opportunity to bring together a large group of friends or coworkers for lunch or to simply have a romantic dinner for two.”

Dining Out for Life is a unique opportunity for people throughout the metro area to support Open Hand. Simply by dining out – for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner – at any of the approximately 150 participating restaurants, 20% of each diner’s bill was donated to support the community nutrition programs of Open Hand.  Celebrating its 16th year, Dining Out for Life is Open Hand’s largest annual fundraiser. Last year’s event raised a record $210,000, and this year we're on track to surpass that mark.  Thank you, Atlanta!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for Dining Out for Life '09, please contact Caroline Bortnick, Director of Sponsorships and Events, at 404-419-1115 or via email.  If you are a restaurant or restaurant group interested in participating in next year's event, simply contact Michelle Duncan, Special Events Manager, at 404-419-3333 or via email.