After two years of pandemic restrictions and canceled public events, Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn returned in person to Whatcom County in May. With options for every meal and occasion, Opportunity Council supporters dined out to benefit the whole community.

Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn is a signature fundraising event in Whatcom County, and classic in its simplicity: members of the community simply dine out at a participating restaurant, and that restaurant then donates a portion of their proceeds to Maple Alley Inn, a program dedicated to providing healthy, scratch-made meals to a diverse community of low-income families, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, isolated seniors, individuals in recovery, and vulnerable members of the community.

Dine Out took on a new format this year. Traditionally held on one day in May, the 2022 fundraiser will now span the entire month. The change is intended to help drum up extra support for the hard hit food and beverage industry as well as reducing the overall crowds that would normally coincide with the previous format.

WHO: Since 1987, Maple Alley Inn has been dedicated to serving healthy and sustaining meals and fighting hunger in Whatcom County.  Offering all that a family meal provides, Maple Alley Inn serves a diverse community of low-income families, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, isolated seniors, individuals in recovery, and others by offering scratch-made meals, companionship, and the chance for people to share their stories. On average, Maple Alley Inn staff and volunteers prepare nearly 20,000 4-5 course meals every year, while also maintaining an organic garden that provides both Maple Alley Inn and Meals on Wheels with over 1 ton of fresh produce each year

Since 2001, Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn has raised more than $390,000 with support from local Whatcom County restaurants and thousands of diners.

“We are so glad Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn is back this year, and look forward to inviting people to sit down for a meal that will help make sure all their neighbors also have access to healthy, nutritious food,” said a representative from Pepper Sisters, a restaurant that has been a part of Dine Out from the beginning. “At Pepper Sisters, we pride ourselves on food that fills the body and soul, and on being a part of the Bellingham community. Over our 20+ years of partnering with Opportunity Council and Maple Alley Inn, we’ve been able to help feed some of our most vulnerable community members.”

WHAT: Each year, Opportunity Council partners with local restaurants and hundreds of diners to raise an average of $20,000 for the people that count on Maple Alley Inn for a healthy, home cooked meal. All funds raised through Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn go directly to providing the health, hope, and connection a family meal provides.

  • Visit dineoutbham.com for a complete list of participating restaurants
  • Donate directly to Maple Alley Inn oppco.org/maplealleyinn to support the continued work they do to feed the community

About Opportunity Council:

Opportunity Council is a Community Action Agency serving Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties. Since 1965, the agency has worked to end poverty and strengthen the community through direct services, community development, and multi-sector partnerships. Opportunity Council is guided by the promise of Community Action and the belief that it changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. As an agency, Opportunity Council cares about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. For additional information, visit oppco.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.