Chipotle Dine-and-Donate Night Brings Community Out for a Cause

In late January, the Contra Costa County ACS SEL chapter partnered with a local Chipotle restaurant for a dine-and-donate fundraising night. Supporters who came in during the event window and mentioned the chapter — or showed a digital flyer — triggered a percentage of their purchase going directly toward the chapter's advocacy and outreach fund.

Members promoted the event across their school networks in the days leading up to it, spreading the word through Instagram stories, group chats, and word of mouth. The turnout exceeded expectations, with community members, families, and fellow students showing up throughout the evening.

Beyond the dollars raised, the event served as a visibility moment for the chapter — a chance to put ACS SEL in front of community members who may not have known we existed. Several attendees asked about how to join, and a handful signed up on the spot.

Dine-and-donate events like this one are a core part of how the chapter plans to build community presence in Contra Costa County beyond school campuses. More restaurant partnerships are already in the works for later in the year.