A good meal and helping others will go hand-in-hand Sunday during the dine-out event for Schuylkill Wellness Services, a participating United Way agency.
SWS is a program unit of Co-County Wellness Services, which serves Schuylkill and Berks counties. SWS, founded in 1997, provides case management, prevention and care to those with HIV and AIDS in the community, testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, and educational programs.
Schuylkill County residents can do their part by attending Fine Dining for a Good Cause. Seven restaurants will donate 20 percent of the evening’s food receipts to the organization.
“It’s a good cause,” Joe Mattera, owner of The Brick House, Orwigsburg, one of the seven restaurants participating, said Monday.
He said the event is usually well attended. Some reservations have been made, he said.
Jerry Labooty, owner of The Greystone restaurant, is happy to participate in what he sees as a very worthwhile cause.
“It’s a great organization (SWS). It definitely satisfies a need that exists in the commonwealth and worldwide,” he said.
Labooty said he has participated in the dine out event for more than 15 years. As of Monday, he said there were 50 reservations for the event, surpassing reservations last year of 25. The business can hold 150 to 175 people, he said.
The following restaurants are also participating: Francesco’s, Shenandoah; Vito’s Coal Fired Pizza, Saint Clair; Roman Delight, Orwigsburg; Oak Hill Inn, Orwigsburg; and La Dolce Casa (Dimaggios), Tamaqua.
Marian Donlin, administrative assistant with SWS, said the goal usually is $10,000, but the organization is happy with any funds they receive. Although reservations are requested, walk-ins are accepted, she said.
A raffle will also be held during the event. The grand prize is $1,000 cash, second prize is a Lowe’s gift card worth $250, and a third prize includes a round of golf and lunch for two at Mountain Valley Golf Course for the May 3 drawing. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. For more information, call 570-622-3980.