United We Dine for Brookdale raises more than $16,000 for Middle Georgia families

The community-wide event brought together more than 40 restaurants, coffee shops, small businesses and residents across Middle Georgia to support the Brookdale Resource Center.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — More than $16,000 was raised to support the Brookdale Resource Center during this year’s United We Dine for Brookdale fundraiser, according to United Way of Central Georgia.

The community-wide event brought together more than 40 restaurants, coffee shops, small businesses and residents across Middle Georgia to support the Brookdale Resource Center. Participating businesses donated a portion of their sales, while community members supported the effort by dining out, shopping locally and spreading awareness about the fundraiser.

The Brookdale Resource Center provides shelter, meals, case management and supportive services to individuals and families working toward long-term stability. According to United Way of Central Georgia, the center has served more than 5,000 people since opening, including more than 1,000 children.

In a news release, Brookdale Resource Center Executive Director Alison Bender said the funds raised will have an immediate impact on the people served by the organization.

“This donation will provide food for five families of five for one month, or three meals a day for 50 people for one month. That is a meaningful and immediate impact for the families and individuals we serve every day at Brookdale,” Bender said in the release.

Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller also commented on the fundraiser’s success.

“I’m amazed at the outpouring of support by our local restaurants to help support Brookdale residents,” Miller said in the release. “Thank you to everyone who ate at one of these great places that day and contributed to a better future for families and children.”