From July 13 – July 19, you can make a donation to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills simply by eating out.
Forty restaurants and cafés in Tryon, Columbus, Saluda, Landrum, Campobello, Inman, Greer and Spartanburg have stepped up to the plate for the third annual “Dining Out for Hospice.”
Here’s how it works: restaurant owners choose a day when a percentage of all sales go to support hospice healthcare through Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. All you have to do is go out to eat at participating establishments on their designated days.
“We are so grateful,” says CEO Jean Eckert, “to the restaurants who are once again, or for the first time, supporting the mission of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. For over 30 years, we have provided expert and compassionate medical care for those who live with serious and life-limiting illnesses, and support and comfort for their families.
“This partnership with area restaurants provides a wonderful opportunity to patronize local eateries while increasing awareness of, and funds for, your local non-profit hospice.” The July week has been chosen to commemorate the first patient served by HOCF in July 1981.
The 2012 inaugural event was a great success, raising nearly $6,000 for hospice patients and their families. Last year, restaurants—and diner donations—raised $8,000.  The program also educated community members about the supportive help available to them should their families be touched by life-limiting illness.
So eat with a purpose during Dining Out for Hospice week. Find your favorite participating restaurant nearby, or make a day of it and explore an eatery in another town. Enjoy pizza, burgers, salads, scones, subs, ice cream and more, and know that your eating out is a way of giving back.
To plan your dining out fun with family and friends, check out the HOCF partner restaurants and their participation dates in the “Let’s Eat” section at diningoutforhospice.org.
For more information about this event, contact Joanie Newman at 828-89-7000.

– article submitted
by Marsha VanHecke