Restaurant Partnership Opportunity
Good for Business. Good for Community.
Does your business serve food?
Do you want to increase brand awareness while showing community support?
Register as a Dining Out For Life partner today.
As Food For Thought’s biggest community fundraiser of the year, Dining Out For Life raises vital funds to meet the nutrition needs of people living with serious medical conditions and nutrition insecurity. In 2024, over 334,000 meals were distributed to our Sonoma County neighbors in need.
WHAT IS DINING OUT FOR LIFE?
Dining Out For Life® is a community collaboration and annual fundraising event for Food For Thought. On event day, restaurants and other food industry business partners donate a generous percent of sales to Food For Thought. In turn, Food For Thought works to fill participating restaurants through a robust promotional campaign. It’s a win-win!
In 2024, generous event sponsors, participating restaurants, hundreds of volunteers, and thousands of people who dined out raised over $220,000 to feed our Sonoma County neighbors in need.
Partner FAQs
What does partnership look like?
Dining Out For Life® is a highly successful annual event promoting local food establishments while supporting Food For Thought. On event day, thousands of people dine out or take out at participating restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, bakeries, and wineries. Restaurant/business partners pledge a generous percentage of event day total sales as a donation to Food For Thought.
Partners select their pledge — 100%, 50% or 25%
Food For Thought promotes Dining Out For Life partner businesses with a robust marketing campaign. Promotion includes direct mail to thousands of Food For Thought supporters, print, and digital ads, radio, social media, websites, and materials for you to use in your establishment. Partners must register no later than September 25, 2025 to be included in printed materials.
Why should I participate?
It’s a win-win! Your business receives positive publicity and potentially new customers while Food For Thought raises essential funds. Community members support participating businesses year-round to show appreciation of your generosity.
“Every restaurant in Sonoma County should participate in DOFL. There are no downsides!” –Natalie Cilurzo, Russian River Brewing Company
How do I sign up?
It’s easy! Register here.
When and where is Dining Out For Life?
The event is on Thursday, December 4, 2025 and takes place during your regular business hours at your location.
Dining Out For Life business partners throughout Sonoma County make this a spectacular day-long event!
Will Food For Thought help me on event day?
On event day, enhance your Dining Out For Life experience by welcoming a Food For Thought Ambassador. Trained volunteers will join you during peak hours to thank patrons, share Food For Thought’s mission, and chat about ways to win fabulous drawing prizes. Many Ambassadors bring family and friends to help fill tables!
Ambassadors also provide patrons a means to donate directly to Food For Thought via QR code or envelope. We will work with you and your staff to ensure the best possible guest experience. If Ambassadors are not the best fit for your business, we understand and appreciate your partnership.
What is the 20% Off Tuesdays Card?
Individuals who donate $35 or more during Dining Out For Life will receive a 20% Off Tuesday Card as a thank you gift. The popular 20% Off Tuesdays Card is valid at participating partner restaurants on Tuesdays in 2026.
Terms printed on card: Valid Tuesdays until 12/31/26 for groups up to six. Excludes holidays and alcohol (except at wineries/distilleries). May not be combined with any other offer or discount. Show card when placing order.
You can support Food For Thought year-round as a 20% Off Tuesday Card participating business. Sign up when you register as a Dining Out For Life partner.
What does promotion look like?
Register as a Dining Out For Life partner no later than September 25, 2025 to be included in print promotions.
Digital
Inclusion in multiple e-newsletters and email blasts to over 9,500 Food For Thought donors and community members.
Websites
Year-long business listing on Food For Thought’s website: fftfoodbank.org/DOFL
DOFL International Association website: diningoutforlife.com/city/sonoma-county
Advertisements
Multiple digital and print ads, including digital billboard on Hwy. 101 for the month of November.
Print Materials
High quality print materials including postcards, posters, coasters, and table tents distributed throughout the county. Dining Guides which include partner names mailed to over 6,000 local supporters.
Social Media
Social media exposure to thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
And More!
Other promotion includes radio ads, interviews, and enthusiastic community participation!
Do I need liability insurance?
Yes, all Dining Out For Life business partners must carry liability insurance on event day and be able to show proof of insurance upon request.
Ready to Partner?
Sign up now! Register no later than September 25, 2025 to have your business name included in print materials.
Food For Thought is a member of the Food Is Medicine Coalition providing healthy food and nutrition services to people across Sonoma County. Register now to promote your business while nourishing our Sonoma County neighbors with food+love.
For questions or personal assistance, please contact:
Michelle Gleed
Events Manager
(707) 887-1647 ext. 122
MichelleG@FFTfoodbank.org