Frequently Asked Questions
Who does the Dine for a Cause benefit and how does it work?
Your $30 registration fee ($60 for a couple) secures your seat on the bus and a reservation at your selected restaurant. Simply select your desired dining location when you register.
100% of the proceeds from your registration fee support The Illuminators Educational Foundation (IEF), a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the grocery industry through the California Grocers Association (CGA) and Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC).
The IEF is proud to offer scholarships to high school seniors, full-time college students with one or more years of undergraduate work remaining, or adults seeking to return to college to advance their careers within the food industry.It’s that simple. Raise money for industry scholarships by doing what you would do naturally, and transportation is provided.
I would like to host a customer or dine with my team all in one location. Can I do that?
Absolutely. Dine for a Cause allows the networking to continue into the evening. If you would like to coordinate a restaurant selection with a customer or your team, do that. If you need help with a group reservation of 10 or more contact Beth Wright. That said, the magic of networking is meeting unexpected friends, so feel free to strike out on your own.
Do I need to make a separate dinner reservation?
No, once you have registered, your reservation is secured.
Once at the restaurant, how does it work?
Once you arrive at the restaurant, you will be guided to our group’s reserved tables. It is not a private dining area, but rather a section of the restaurant that has been reserved for Dine for a Cause. From there, you will place your order off the restaurant’s menu and pay individually. If you’d like to combine checks, simply let your server know.
Does the bus visit multiple restaurants, or just one?
Just one. This is not a progressive dinner, it is an opportunity to dine at one of Coachella Valley’s signature restaurants, as a group.
When do the buses leave and return?
The buses will depart from the conference hotel between 5:45 and 6:15pm. They will return after the group’s dinner is complete and checks are paid. If you’d like to return early or extend your time, you may need to make separate arrangements via ride share services. Simply notify your location coordinator of your plans.
Is space limited?
Yes, we are looking forward to having a tremendous turnout to support a great cause. Make your reservation early, so you don’t miss out.