Dowagiac residents will once again have the chance to enjoy an evening out on the town, and support local victims of domestic violence in the process.

Domestic And Sexual Abuse Services (DASAS) and Zeke’s Restaurant will team up next Wednesday, March 9, to hold a special Dine For Dollars fundraiser. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., 15 percent of all customer bills paid for at the Dowagiac restaurant will go toward the area support organization, which provides counseling and other services to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse living in Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.

The event is one of several fundraisers DASAS hosts every year to support its operations. On top of the two major fundraisers held in Cass and St. Joseph counties last year, the organization’s board introduced these Dine for Dollar events last year as smaller ways to raise money, partnering with local businesses throughout the counties the organization services, said Steve Grinnewald, Dowagiac’s Director of Public Safety and a member of the DASAS Board of Directors.

“It gives us a chance to fundraise but it takes a little bit of burden off our volunteers,” Grinnewald said.

Last year, DASAS held fundraisers with The Wounded Minnow Saloon and the Dowagiac Pizza Hut in the local area, raising several hundred dollars at each, Grinnewald said. With a year of success already under their belt, the leadership has decided to continue them this year.

“I approached [Zeke’s] with the idea a few weeks back,” Grinnewald said. “They were pretty excited about it and jumped on board immediately.”

Board members and other executives with DASAS will be at the restaurant on Wednesday to answer any questions about the organization from customers, Grinnewald said.

“It’s a very important cause, and it means a lot to a lot of people,” Grinnewald said. “What better way to support that cause than to come out to a nice restaurant, eat and have fun.”