I don’t really need a reason to dine out, in fact I’d much rather eat out than cook. But now there’s even more incentive — On October 5, 2005, restaurants across the country will band together in a “Dine for America” day, a national fundraising effort for the American Red Cross to help the survivors, victims, their families and other arising needs from the Hurricane Katrina and Rita disasters.

The first Dine for America event came together in an effort to help those whose lives were devastated by the events of September 11, 2001. On one day 8,000 restaurants across the country came together to raise over $20 million dollars for the relief effort.

This time 16,032 restaurants across America have banned together once again to raise money for hurricane victims. Participation in the program is voluntary, in fact there is no “Dine for America” organization that receives any money from the event. All the proceeds go toward the American Red Cross to help hurricane relief.

Each restaurant owner decides how much from the day’s proceeds will go toward hurricane relief. Some are donating a percentage of the profits, some 100% of the profits and others a flat donation per customer.

You can visit the Dine for America website to find a restaurant near you. However, please note that not all participating restaurants are actually listed on the site.

All Darden Restaurants are participating and will donate 100% of profits on October 5th. This includes Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, and Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill.

All Brinker Restaurants are participating, including Chili’s Grill & Bar, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Maggiano’s Little Italy and Corner Bakery Cafe.

Now there’s just one decision left to make – which restaurant to go to for lunch or dinner this Wednesday. 😉