For almost three decades, Forsyth County residents have spent the first Tuesday in May eating out for a good cause.

Once again this year on Tuesday, May 1, families and friends from all corners of the county will dine out to support Crisis Control Ministry through Hope du Jour—a day of hope. Since 1991, Crisis Control’s Hope du Jour event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help individuals and families right here in Forsyth County. Whether you live in Winston-Salem, Clemmons, or Kernersville, there are some 140 participating restaurants to choose from, all donating 10% of their sales on May 1 to Crisis Control.

Hope du Jour is first and foremost a fundraiser to help those in need and give support to the families in our community who are struggling to pay bills for basic needs. For the past 45 years, Crisis Control has assisted residents of Forsyth County who are experiencing a financial crisis with food, rent/mortgage, utilities, and prescription medication assistance.

Hope du Jour is the agency’s signature fundraising event with the proceeds used to support its mission: “To assist people in crisis to meet essential life needs and to become self-sufficient.”This volunteer-oriented nonprofit operates client choice food pantries in Winston-Salem and Kernersville, and last year served nearly 5,000 families with food orders to last them for two weeks at a time.  Overall, the agency’s programs served more than 15,000 individuals and families last year.

The list of participating restaurants is long, including both recently-opened and longtime favorite eateries, with something for every taste—breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

“Community is very important to us,” says Mary Haglund, owner of Mary’s Gourmet Diner in Winston-Salem.  “We believe in supporting those in our city who are in crisis whenever we can. Hope du Jour makes that an easy goal to achieve.” A complete list of participating eateries is available at hopedujour.org. The event website also allows you to find restaurants close to your location and provides links to restaurant websites, including phone numbers and directions.

Hope du Jour would not be possible without the commitment of the restaurants and diners who take part, as well as the event sponsors.  Wall Babcock LLP has been the presenting sponsor for the past ten years.  Other sponsors include Wake Forest Baptist Health, Garner Foods, Eastern Food Equipment, Maynard & Harris, and Piedmont Natural Gas.

As Jim Wall, Managing Partner at Wall Babcock explains, “Hope du Jour has become a springtime tradition for us.  We look forward to spending time with colleagues, families and friends at participating restaurants to support Crisis Control Ministry.  We urge everyone to visit the Hope du Jour website to select a restaurant, or two, for dining on May 1.”

Hope du Jour is a popular community tradition for several reasons, according to Patricia Murphy, Director of Special Events & Marketing at CCM:  “It’s simple.  Just eat out at one or more participating restaurants on May 1 and a portion of the restaurant’s sales that day are donated to Crisis Control Ministry.  It’s fun.  Plan your business meeting that day, have lunch with an old friend, or take the family out to dinner. It makes a difference.  From a cup of coffee to a five-course meal, it all adds up and helps to support Crisis Control Ministry as we assist our neighbors in need.”

For those in the community unable to dine out on May 1, but who wish to make a donation, Crisis Control has just introduced a text donation option.  “Donors can now simply text HDJ to 41444,” notes Margaret Elliott, CCM Executive Director. “We hope this is an opportunity to reach more supporters and provide a convenient way to help make a difference.”

Hope du Jour.  It’s a day of hope on May 1.  Whether breakfast, lunch, dinner, or something in-between, by eating out you’ll be providing hope and help to those who are struggling to meet their family’s basic needs.

For more information on Hope du Jour and for a full list of participating restaurants visit hopedujour.org or contact Tricia Murphy at 336.724-7875, ext. 1040/tmurphy@crisicontrol.org.