Most health professionals will tell you to lay off the french fries and juicy burgers, but the Open Door Clinic, Inc. in Chippewa Falls is giving hungry locals a chance to chow down at their Meet to Eat fundraising event on Thursday, May 16. Local restaurants will donate 25 percent of purchases made on May 16 to support the clinic – a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing health insurance to the uninsured, basic lab testing, and prescription and diagnostic services to those who need it in the Chippewa Valley. Restaurants participating include: Harms Way Bar & Grill, Burrachos on Water Street, Deb’s Cafe, Lucy’s Delicatessen, Old Abe’s Supper Club, Xpeditions Coffee Co. & Market, and The SandBar & Grill. Donations to the clinic are used to cover the cost of operations, such as medications, which cost about $12,000 per year, Jill Cooper, the clinic coordinator, said. The clinic is also looking to hire a psychiatrist for patients with mental health needs, which costs about $15,000 per year, she said. Customers can also enter into a raffle for various prizes from businesses around the Chippewa Valley. Housed in The First Presbyterian Church of Chippewa Falls, this health clinic has been serving its community since April 2006 when Dr. Tom Chisholm sought to create a free clinic. Now, over 150 volunteers work to make the Open Clinic accessible to the community by providing health care to people who do not have it. Last year, this fundraiser raised over $15,000 for the clinic. More information about the Open Door Clinic, Inc. can be found on their website or at (715) 720-1443. Their hours are Tuesdays from 5-7:30pm.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article included an incorrect date for the event.