Great American dine out fights childhood hunger: Sept. 20-26 program unites thousands of restaurants across America for vital ca

Each year, more than 12 million children in America (one in six) worry about when their next meal will come. Share Our Strength, a leading national organization working to make sure no kid in America grows up hungry, will conduct the second "Great American Dine Out" effort to raise funds to help end childhood hunger in America.

Food Network star Aaron McCargo Jr. will serve as the national spokesperson for the event Sept. 20-26 during which thousands of restaurants from coffee shops to fine-dining establishments will join to raise funds for the program. The first Dine Out in 2008 raised more than $500,000. Four thousand casual- and fine-dining restaurants participated, from independent and family-owned establishments to large chains and restaurant groups.

Donations from the week's restaurant sales, direct donations from customers and restaurant suppliers, and money raised through restaurant promotions all helped to make the effort a success in 2008. To date, more than 1,500 restaurants have signed up to participate, including Corner Bakery Care, Dave & Busters, The Great American Restaurants, Il Fornaio, First Watch, Claim Jumper, Captain D's, Lonestar Steakhouse & Saloon and Texas Land & Cattle Steak House, McAlister's Dell and Joe's Crab Shack.

Registration is open until Sept. 1 and can be accomplished by visiting www.GreatAmericanDineOut.org. Once companies register, they will have access to a complete online resource center featuring marketing and communications materials which will help them make their event a success. Participating restaurants will also be featured on the Web site in the Google Map search page.

Restaurants may choose the way to participate that's right for their business. Some ideas include: tie-in menu promotions with the event to boost sales and raise funds, create a customized bounce-back coupon offer, promote specific menu items or categories to drive sales and donate a percentage of those sales, or simply donate a percentage of sales with a cap.

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Funds raised through the event are granted to successful non-profit organizations specifically to help them promote, increase and facilitate childrens' access to nutritious foods--including fresh fruits and vegetables--where they live, learn and play.

The program is sponsored by Sysco, S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, Ecolab, Food Network, USA Today and the National Restaurant Association.

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