United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, in partnership with the Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association (OCHMRA), The Embers Restaurant, Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar, WRDE Coast TV and The Voice Radio Network recently announced the winners of the Dine United OC competition, benefiting the Lower Eastern Shore community. Participating restaurants donated a portion of the proceeds from these specials to United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore in support of United Way’s 72 locally funded programs, helping Lower Eastern Shore residents with their Education, Financial Stability and Health needs. The competition began June 15th and ran through Labor Day, covering most of the OC summer tourism season. As of the competition’s closing date of September 5th, Dine United OC raised $44,118 for United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.
In the 0-150 Seating Capacity Category, General’s Kitchen won for Internal Promotions AND Top Overall, raising $5,100 with $1 from every check promotion, plus donation cans. In the 150-300 Seating Capacity Category, Happy Jack Pancake House won for Internal Promotions AND Top Overall, raising $2,640 with $1 from specialty menu items, donation cans, and a vendor match from Eastern Shore Coffee & Water. In the 300-600 Seating Capacity Category, Harrison’s Harbor Watch won for Internal Promotions AND Top Overall raising a total of $6,815 with $2 from every Tito’s Vodka specialty drink and a Tito’s Vodka vendor match. In the 600 Plus Capacity Category, The Ember’s Restaurant won for Internal Promotions, raising $2,196 with $1 from every Strawberry Daiquiri & Strawberry Margarita. In the 600 Plus Capacity Category, O.C. Seacrets raised a total of $3,579 through a strong employee giving campaign and a Cornhole Tournament event fundraiser. Most Creative Fundraiser Overall was won by Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar for designating menu and drink specials, encouraging competition between staff to sell the items with fun incentives for employees, and offering a raffle for an OC weekend getaway to customers who donate directly to United Way.
The awards celebration was held at Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar, where winners were announced for the most successful restaurant campaign, and the most creative campaign in each category based on seating capacity. Special recognition was given to media sponsors The Voice Radio Network, WRDE Coast TV, The Dispatch, and Delmarva Media Group.
Cole Taustin of Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar shared “We couldn’t be happier with the response Dine United OC received from Ocean City locals and tourists this summer. Even more amazing was the support United Way received from OC’s local restaurant owners and their employees for their efforts. Our community thanks you all for a job well done!”
25 Ocean City restaurants participated, including: Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar, The Embers Restaurant, DaVinci’s, Happy Jack Pancake House, Phillips Seafood, Seacrets, Smitty McGee’s, Surfin’ Betty’s, Touch of Italy, Grotto Pizza, General’s Kitchen, The Dough Roller (41st and 70th street locations) and The Harrison Group of Restaurants including 32 Palm, Atrium Café, Caribbean Pool Bar & Grille, The Coral Reef, The Deep End, Harrison’s Harbor Watch, Hemingways, Mañana Mode, Rumbas and The Original Pool Bar. For more information, visit www.unitedway4us.org.
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 72nd year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 72 critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester Counties. United Way helps Eastern Shore residents obtain Educational Success by reducing the achievement gap between low and middle income students, Financial Stability by advancing the economic security of families and individuals in our community, and Good Health by improving access to and awareness of local health and wellness services. In 2016, United Way provided nearly $1.4 million to community programs and helped to change the lives of over 77,000 individuals. For more information, visit www.unitedway4us.org.
