Dozens of restaurants throughout the Triangle will donate a portion of their sales on Tuesday, April 21, to benefit local individuals affected by autism and their families.

Dine 4 Autism is an all-day event organized by the Triangle chapters of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). In addition to being a fundraising event, Dine 4 Autism is an awareness event. 

Diners will have an opportunity to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the developmental disorder that now affects one in 58 8-year-old schoolchildren in North Carolina, according to a recent report by the CDC.

“It’s rare to find a family that has not been touched in some way by autism,” says Leslie Welch, leader of the ASNC Wake County Chapter.

Proceeds from the second annual Dine 4 Autism event will go directly to ASNC chapters in Wake, Orange, Chatham, and Durham counties. These volunteer-run chapters provide support and information to families affected by ASD. 

Proceeds are also used to fund scholarships to ASNC’s Camp Royall, which provides a sleep-away camp experience for campers with ASD from ages 4 to 60+.

“Our chapters are very active,” says Shelagh Kenney, leader of the Durham County Chapter. “We have monthly informational meetings and social events. We offer coffee get-togethers for support.”

Last year’s Dine 4 Autism also provided an inclusive opportunity for families to feel welcome to bring their loved ones with ASD to dine out at restaurants. More than 40 restaurants in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Carrboro, and Morrisville participated; more than 50 have signed up so far this year.

Chapter leaders encourage people throughout the Triangle to support area families affected by ASD by joining them in eating out at local restaurants on April 21 for Dine 4 Autism. A list of participating restaurants is available at www.dine4autism.com.

Restaurant owners who are interested in joining the event can also find more information and sign up at www.dine4autism.com.