New Dine Out to Lift Up Campaign to Fight Hunger at Smith Mountain Lake

Local Restaurants to Donate 10% of Proceeds to Support
LCM’s Food Assistance Programs

This year, Lake Christian Ministries (LCM), in partnership with SML Insiders, launched a new initiative aimed at fighting food insecurity in the Smith Mountain Lake region. The event, Dine Out to Lift Up, will take place on select days September 2-19, with participating restaurants donating 10% of their proceeds to support LCM’s food assistance programs.

“Too many of our neighbors are struggling to put food on the table, and the need continues to grow,” said Jane Winters, LCM Executive Director. “Dine Out to Lift Up is a simple and powerful way for the community to come together and help. Every meal purchased during this campaign helps ensure that local families have access to healthy, nourishing food.”

The proceeds will benefit LCM’s programs that provide food and essential nutrition to individuals and families facing hardship, while also supporting services that help them stay housed and maintain basic utilities. The campaign is part of the growing community momentum leading up to the SML Walk to End Poverty on September 20.

“We’re honored to partner with Lake Christian Ministries on this meaningful initiative,” said Andie Gibson, Co-Publisher of SML Insiders and an LCM board member. “Because our magazine, website and annual SML Dining Guide spotlight the vibrant local dining scene, this campaign is a natural fit. We’re excited to use those platforms to amplify its reach and help make Dine Out to Lift Up a great success—for our restaurant partners and, most importantly, for our neighbors who are struggling.”

Winters expressed deep gratitude for the local restaurants participating in the campaign. 

“Our area restaurants are truly exceptional. They can always be counted on to step up when it matters most,” she said. “Their generosity and community spirit are vital to LCM’s mission, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support.”

Whether dining in or ordering takeout, customers can support the cause by visiting participating restaurants on their designated Dine Out day. A full list of restaurants and dates is available at dineouttoliftup.com.

Lake Christian Ministries Kicks-Off

2025 SML Walk to End Poverty

$50,000 in Matching Funds Will Double Community Impact

Lake Christian Ministries invites the community to lace up their walking shoes for the 2025 SML Walk to End Poverty, set for Saturday, September 20 at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. As the organization’s signature fundraising event, this annual walk/run raises vital support for local families in crisis.

Thanks to a generous dollar-for-dollar match on the first $50,000 in donations, community contributions will go twice as far. Leading the match challenge once again are Capps Home Building Center and an anonymous donor, both longtime supporters of the event. Additional sponsors include Jo & Co Jewelers, Gilbert Law, Body Shoppe Fitness, Centra, Eastman Construction, Ring Master Services, Southside Electric Cooperative, SML Fraternal Order of Eagles #4344, Mary Lou McDonald – ML Realty, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, and SML Insiders.

“This community continues to step up for our neighbors in need, and the matching challenge gives us an incredible opportunity to stretch every donation,” said LCM Executive Director Jane Winters. “If we can raise $50,000 by September 20, our sponsors will double it—and we’ll hit our $100,000 goal.” The need for assistance remains urgent. Between 2022 and 2024, Lake Christian Ministries experienced a 58% increase in the number of individuals and families served, with a 74% rise in children receiving support. That upward trend continued through 2025, driven by growing financial pressures on local families.

“LCM continues to see a rise in urgent needs, especially among families with children and seniors on fixed incomes,” Winters added. “The Walk to End Poverty is a way for everyone in the lake community to come together and make a lasting difference.”

Participants may register individually or as part of a team at smlwalktoendpoverty.com. Registration is $5 for ages 17 and under and $10 for adults. The event features 5K and 10K routes along a mostly flat, scenic course within the park. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m., with the walk and run starting at 10 a.m. A complimentary lunch, music, fellowship, and an awards presentation will follow at 11 a.m. The event will take place rain or shine.

Walkers and runners are encouraged to collect pledges from friends, neighbors, and colleagues to help raise additional funds. Every dollar supports Lake Christian Ministries’; comprehensive efforts to assist struggling families with food, financial aid, job readiness and life-stabilizing services.

“Every step we take together helps lift a neighbor in need,” Winters said. “We invite everyone to join us for this powerful day of giving, walking and community spirit.”

For more information, to register or to donate, visit smlwalktoendpoverty.com.

Thank You for Your Outstanding Support

Through the 2025 SML Gives Day!

Wow! We are overwhelmed with the outstanding support we received through the 2025 SML Gives Day. Together we generated $77,751 for Lake Christian Ministries’ vital services. These funds will go to work to address growing needs for local families struggling with poverty.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for wrapping your arms around our mission to care for our vulnerable neighbors during difficult times! A special thank you goes to our three generous LCM supporters who provided a $1 for $ match for the first $28,000 donated. This challenge match was met by 127 donors who care deeply about assisting our neighbors in crisis.

Your donation will be used to help families who are struggling with poverty move toward a more secure future. Your generosity will have a lasting impact. Together we are making a difference.