Sacred Heart Mission's "Dine with Heart" concept has gone from strength to strength since it began in 2014 as a three-course dinner at the Palais Theatre. Today it has evolved and grown into a month-long fundraiser with more than 60 bars, restaurants, and cafes participating in this year's event.
The goal of Dine with Heart Month is to raise much-needed funds for The Mission's
Meals Program; which supports those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage by providing around 400 free and nutritious meals a day to those in need.
The Meals Program also provides socially disadvantaged and isolated people with a chance to reconnect with a community and without a doubt, helps keep them going.
Here's how it works: Throughout the Month of May, the 60 venues throughout Melbourne's CBD and the City of Port Philip will host their own special events or create signature Dine with Heart Dishes while others will allow customers to add a donation to their bill. Every $4 raised will pay for a healthy meal for someone who otherwise can't afford it.
The total fundraising goal this year is to raise $150,000 to keep the Mission's Meals Program running.
Here are the three main special Dine with Heart events:
Sunday, May 22 -
Groove with Heart Cocktail Event @ Captain Baxter, St Kilda: Enjoy complimentary cocktails, bubbly, and canapes from 4 - 6pm, Sunday, May 22. Live DJs will include Arien de Silva, Jesus Loyola, and Jason Perilino. Wear all red, or just a touch. Ticket price: $32 pp.
Thursday, May 26 @ Radio Mexico, St Kilda: A two course set menu dinner of classic Mexican dishes including a free welcome drink and gift and Tromba Tequila tasting from 7pm. Alejandro Espino a.k.a the "Lone Mariachi" will also perform. Ticket price: $65.
Thursday, May 31 @
The Vineyard, St Kilda: A three course 1940's themed Murder Mystery Dinner (drinks included) and charity auction from 7pm. Tickets: $100.
Call 9534 1942 to book or for more information.
All ticket proceeds from the above events will be donated Sacred Heart Mission.
To book tickets click on the individual links.
See the full list of participating Dine with Heart venues and events
here.
A shot of last year's Dine with Heart's Formal Gala Dinner.
Dine with Heart Month will culminate in a formal gala dinner on the stage of St Kilda's Palais Theatre where a team of Melbourne's top chefs will come together to create an exquisite, one-of-a-kind, three-course menu.
Chef's involved include; Todd Moses (
French Saloon), PeterSheldon (
European), Chris Watson (
Luxembourg), Daniel Wilson (
Huxtaburger), Jesse Gerner (
Bomba), Emma D'Alessandro (
Donovans), Scott Pickett (
Estelle Bistro), and Pierre Roelofs and the team at
Bay Leaf Catering.
The evening will be hosted by Cam Smith (presenter of EAT IT on 3RRR).
When asked, Chris Watson, head chef and owner of Luxembourg, said supporting Dine with Heart Month is a ''no-brainer" and a "great way for people to give back on a local scale". He went on to add that The Mission is an "amazing part of our community" and that being a part of this event allows you "to get to see the impact of what you're putting in".
Dine with Heart Month will run from May 1 to 31 in venues in and around St Kilda and the CBD.
The Dine with Heart Formal Gala Dinner will be held on Tuesday, May 24th at 7pm and tickets are $200 or $2,200 for tables of ten). See more information here.
Photo Credit: Dom Frisina, Nola James from Anada, and Sacred Heart Mission.
