Planning to eat out tonight? If so, you could also help a great cause.

The United Way is partnering with 57 restaurants across Bay and Gulf Counties to raise money for the Northwest Chapter. There are just a few more hours left for you to help out while eating out.

Eating out can be considered a luxury for most of us, but for the rest of today the splurge may just help the less fortunate in our community.

Karen Wakstein, a Key West Cafe customer, said, "More people are in need of help, so it's wonderful that the restaurants are so generous."

Sweet Tease Cafe and Bakery in Lynn Haven is just one of the restaurants giving away a percentage of today's proceeds to the United Way of Northwest Florida.

Simon Jones, Sweet Tease owner, said, "It really helps us and helps us help the community, and I know that sounds crazy, but it really helps us to be part of the community, makes it a lot easier for us."

If you'd like to help United Way out by eating at one of the participating restaurants but you're a picky eater, no worries, because there are 57 restaurants to choose from, everything from Mexican food to breakfast food.

But the United Way's sphere of influence offers even more variety.

"The United Way covers so many things, it's like the sunshine of charitable organizations. They cover so many things and help so many people."

They financially support elderly folks, infants and children, the terminally ill and even expectant mothers, but to Simon Jones, the best part of helping United Way is that all the money raised stays in the community.

"Most charities we have to actually just make a donation, and this actually gets the community involved and gives them an opportunity to say he we support our local companies that support our local United Way."

So when ordering your food, don't be surprised if it tastes extra good. After all, there's no telling the difference the one meal may make in the lives of others.