ABOVE: Dining Out for Life (DOFL) 2020, graphic via DOFL.
ST. PETERSBURG | Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) has reimagined one of its vital fundraisers and announced the creation of another, each a response to COVID-19’s impact on the nonprofit and community it serves.
Dining Out for Life (DOFL) Tampa Bay, which last year raised more than $47,000 for EPIC’s fight against HIV/AIDS, was originally scheduled for April. A “COVID-conscious” reboot will now be held Sept. 17 and run parallel to their inaugural EPIC eVENT, an online fundraiser culminating that evening.
In addition to postponing DOFL, COVID-19 also led EPIC to skip this year’s annual masquerade ball, which in 2019 raised $17,000 with Balance Tampa Bay. The organization’s popular bowling fundraiser was also postponed.
“We had to cancel our reservations to Dine Out in April, our dancing shoes are gathering dust as we dimmed The Masquerade’s lights in July and we couldn’t bowl for top score at Strike Out for AIDS in August,” EPIC shared Aug. 18. “But, you know what we can do with your help? Serve EPIC’s clients and families … our need for funding has increased during COVID and we need your help now more than ever!”
“EPIC hasn’t really missed a beat,” Executive Director Joy Winheim explains. “We never stopped providing services, so I don’t think our clients have felt the full effect of things because we have just adapted to serve them in a different way.”
Those services include distributing food and personal items through EPIC’s pantries, which Winheim says have served an average of more than 300 meals per month since the pandemic began impacting Tampa Bay. The nonprofit has also provided grocery, health insurance and renter’s assistance while providing HIV services.
“Our doors are open,” Winheim stresses. “If a client needs us, if anyone needs us, we’re here.”
That mentality led the organization to reschedule DOFL 2020. This year will mark EPIC’s 15th as a beneficiary of the national fundraiser, which traditionally raises funds by collecting at least 25% of breakfast, lunch and dinner sales from participating restaurants on a particular date each year.
DOFL has been reimagined this year in support of those restaurant partners in Tampa Bay. “This is our chance to return the favor,” EPIC Special Events Coordinator Molly Robison says. “Our local restaurants are all hurting. Many of them have been with us since the beginning and this is our year to give back.”
Restaurants will not be required to donate to EPIC this year, though some may. Patrons are encouraged to support the establishments however they can, with personal donations to EPIC accepted. Those who donate via DineTB.org or by texting “MY EPIC” to 74121 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 Publix gift card.
Participants practicing COVID-19 safety precautions are encouraged to order delivery from or visit their favorite restaurants to dine in, order takeout or to purchase gift cards and other promotional items. Nearly 40 locations from throughout Tampa Bay are participating this year.
“Partners throughout Tampa, Gulfport, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Dunedin will join together in support of EPIC as we can continue to be a force of change in the fight against HIV,” organizers explain. “This incredibly important event will show your care for our hardworking restaurant partners, will help support our community, benefit EPIC’s programs and fill your belly!”
The reimagined DOFL intentionally coincides with EPIC’s virtual fundraiser, which Robison describes as its parallel event. “You can do one of them, you can do both of them or you can jump back and forth,” she says.
The online fundraiser is currently live and offers a $20,000 dollar-for-dollar match courtesy of its sponsors. “Your $50 becomes $100, your $100 becomes $200 and together we will generate the funds EPIC needs to thrive in these unprecedented times,” they explain.
Supporters can also partake in virtual raffles. Items up for grabs include a “Pampered at Home” collection valued at more than $200, a “Florida Road Trippin’” collection valued at $300 and a “Tampa Staycation!” bundle valued at $500.
Even more opportunities to win prizes will culminate during the EPIC eVENT’s virtual game night Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. Winheim will guide participants through a free game of Bandingo and more. See more below:
“Pick up dinner from a DOFL restaurant and then head home to join us,” Winheim says. “We’re trying to be creative and think outside of the box.”
“Our need still exists,” Robison adds. “If anything, it’s increased because of COVID. We’re counting on the community and we’re so grateful for their continued support.”
DOFL Tampa Bay 2020 will be held Sept. 17. For a list of participating restaurants, to donate or to learn more, visit DineTB.org and its Facebook event page. For more information about the EPIC eVENT, to donate or to learn more, visit 2020EPICeVENT.org or its Facebook event page.
