Just under $8,000 was raised due to Newton County residents deciding to eat out on Dine Out, Do Good restaurant night in 2016.

The annual event is back this year, with 21 restaurants scheduled to participate on Thursday, Nov. 10.

All proceeds that are raised during Dine Out, Do Good benefit local hunger relief programs in Newton County, specifically Action Ministries’ SuperPack Program.

Action Ministries, in Newton County, is now serving 240 school-aged children in nine local elementary schools and two middle schools each Friday, according to director Tamara Richardson.

“Action Ministries is so appreciative of the support of the 21 restaurants owners that have agreed to partner with us this year,” Richardson said. “The Newton County community really embraced this event last year … so we are hoping for another successful event.”

All restaurants involved have agreed to donate 10 percent of their gross during Dine Out, Do Good.

The restaurants involved are Amici’s, Bradley’s BBQ, Burrito Loco, El Charro on Covington Bypass and El Charro on Hwy. 278, Irish Bred Pub, Jimmy John’s, Plain Nuts, The Company Store, The Social House, Where There’s Smoke BBQ, Blimpie’s, Bullritos, Chick-fil-A, Frank’s Restaurant, Jersey Mike’s, Stalvey’s Restaurant, The Mystic Grille, Walden’s, Your Pie, Zaxby’s on Turner Lake, Zaxby’s on Covington Bypass and Zaxby’s on Brown Bridge.

“All proceeds benefit children in our community who can face hunger on the weekends. So I encourage everyone to Dine Out, Do Good on Nov10.”