Join Dine Out to Lift Up SML Walk to End Poverty (2026)
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SML Insiders is proud to be partnering with Lake Christian Ministries on two community-wide events that make a real difference for our neighbors in need.
Start by enjoying great meals at local restaurants during Dine Out to Lift Up, then keep the momentum going at the SML Walk to End Poverty, the region’s largest 5K fundraising event.
Dine Out to Lift Up SML
Who says making a difference can’t be delicious?
From Aug. 19-Sept. 19, 2026,participating Smith Mountain Lake restaurants will donate 10% of sales on designated dates to benefit LCM’s food assistance programs.
Thirteen local restaurants joined forces to raise $5,460 during last year’s inaugural campaign. This year, we’ve expanded the event to a full month and inviting even more restaurants to take part.
The restaurant list continues to grow, so visit dineouttoliftup.com often for the latest lineup, dates and details. Want more info on the local restaurant scene? Check out our SML Dining Guide!
SML Walk to End Poverty
Dine Out to Lift Up serves as the kickoff forthe annual SML Walk to End Poverty on Sept. 19, 2026 at SML State Park.
This year’s event features a $55,000 dollar-for-dollar matching challenge, helping LCM work toward its goal of raising $150,000 to support local families facing economic hardship.
Join Team SML Insiders
đź‘ź Walk alongside fellow readers, meet our team and help make a difference in our community.
Everyone who registers gets a T-shirt, plus our team members receive a special SML Insiders gift! Join Team SML Insiders!
Why It Matters
Hunger is rising right here in our lake community:
- 15,226 food assistance requests were fulfilled by Lake Christian Ministries in 2025 alone.
- Requests for help from families in need have increased by 25% in the past year.
- Assistance provided to children has risen by a staggering 74% overt the past three years.
Many of these families have working parents, but with costs soaring, they simply can’t keep up.
Every meal, every dollar makes a difference.
Want to Do More?
You can help lift up our neighbors beyond the dinner table.
Donate Now
Support hunger relief and family stability in the SML region with a secure online gift to Lake Christian Ministries.
Sign Up to Walk
Be part of the 2026 Walk to End Poverty on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Walk with friends, family or co-workers to help end hunger and poverty at the lake.
Andie Gibson
CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Andie has been covering Smith Mountain Lake since 2000 for a variety of publications, including the SML Visitor and Newcomer Guide, SML HOME Magazine, The Roanoker and Life Outside. As a partner in G&C Ventures, LLC, she oversees all content for our suite of websites, including Smith-Mountain-Lake.com and LakeLubbers.com.
