The Lake Geneva Restaurant Week $5,000 Charity Check is a unique opportunity for your registered 501(c)3 charitable organization to increase awareness of your mission. Five charitable organizations are chosen each year to participate in the charity check program.
From June 3 – June 12, 2016, Lake Geneva Restaurant Week will attract thousands of residents and visitors to take advantage of special fixed price menus at participating restaurants. At the end of the meal, diners are presented with the Charity Check ballot which allows them to vote for one charity to receive the $5,000 charity check. The organization that receives the most votes will ultimately win the cash prize.
Restaurant Week and the Charity Check are promoted through a $75,000 marketing campaign by VISIT Lake Geneva using digital and print media, social media, and public relations. All five charities chosen to participate in the Charity Check receive great exposure and one will receive the $5,000 Charity Check.
Five finalists were chosen from applications received by the Restaurant Week selection and organizing committee based on the overall quality of the application, ability of the charity to help promote Restaurant Week, and uniqueness of the organizations mission compared to other applicants.
Here are the five select nonprofits to participate in the Restaurant Week Charity Check program for 2016:
1. AGAPE HOUSE:
A grace-based ministry working with girls, young women and families to help them overcome the effects of abuse, addiction and the pains of their past. For girls, ages 12-18, Agape House offers a school, home and counseling opportunities. For families and community members, Agape House offers counseling services and support groups.
2. GENEVA LAKE MUSEUM:
Discovering and preserving the rich history of Lake Geneva and the surrounding communities. The museum offers exhibits that capture the essence of Lake Geneva and the surrounding communities through the stories of local people, residences and events.
3. OPEN ARMS FREE CLINIC:
Providing free health care with respect and dignity to individuals who are uninsured, low income, and underserved. The services offered onsite include primary and preventative health care, chronic disease management, dental, vision, behavioral health counseling, pharmacy, lab and referrals as needed.
4. SMILES:
Transcending traditional therapeutic methods by offering individuals with special needs the joy of participating in an equine assisted program which provides social, emotional, physical and personal rewards. Their programs improve lives by enhancing life skills in the areas of communication, independence, mobility and socialization.
5. THE TIME IS NOW:
Working to alleviate the suffering of those facing economic hardship. Whether it be through job loss, loss of a spouse, extreme medical expenses or other crises. The Time is Now provides goods and services such as food, clothing, utilities, toiletries, automobile and shelter assistance to help those in need live more comfortably, improve their quality of life and remove their pain and suffering.
Nonprofit organizations chosen to participate in the Charity Check are expected to promote Lake Geneva Restaurant Week through their email, newsletter, web, and social media channels to encourage volunteers, staff, sponsors, members, and supporters to get our and enjoy a great meal…and vote!
The Charity Check is made possible through the generous support of Lake Geneva Country Meats.
PLEASE NOTE: After a Charity has been selected as a recipient of the $5,000 Charity Check, the organization will be ineligible for participation in the Charity Check program for three years. Nominations from previous years will not be carried forward from 2015. Please submit a new application for 2016.
This article originally appeared on the Lake Geneva Restaurant Week website.
