Today, ordering that extra margarita or post-dinner dessert will feel less guilty than usual. It’s that time again – time to grab some grub at Chili’s in support of the Women’s Center.

The Chili’s Give Back Program, a fundraiser dedicated to raising money for not-for-profit community organizations, will be donating 15 percent of purchases, dine-in or to go, to the Women’s Center all day today with the presentation of a voucher. The vouchers can be found online on the Women’s Center website.

Bernie Page, Chili’s general manager, said the event is in its fourth year. He said it draws more people each year.

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“The great thing about this is it brings out people that wouldn’t normally come here,” he said. “You get people that want to support the cause, as well as regulars.”

Out of the 125 locations, Page said the Carbondale Chili’s is good at getting people to come out to support different causes. He said the restaurant raises several hundred dollars for the Women’s Center each year.

Chili’s previously donated 10 percent of its proceeds to the Women’s Center, but chose to give 15 percent as the fundraiser gained popularity.

Page said the program also works with high schools and university organizations, including the Saluki Bassers.

“It’s all about a partnership,” Page said.

Sandra Ursini, development specialist for the Women’s Center, said Chili’s is always generous during the fundraiser, an event that is usually put on once in the spring and again in the fall.

“We really appreciate our supporters coming out to the different things that we do,” she said.

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The Women’s Center will be planning other fundraising events throughout the summer, including a car wash and a yard sale.

The Christmas Car Wash will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, and June 28 and July 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AutoZone. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Christmas Party Fund. The yard sale will be held from 7 a.m. to noon on July 12 at the Women’s Center.

One of the bigger events will be The Little Black Dress Party on Sept. 12. The event will offer food and drinks, as well as live music from the St. Louis-based band Dr. Zhivegas. It will be held at Rent One Park in Marion. Tickets will be available for purchase Aug. 1.

Two pre-parties for the event will be held in August. On Aug. 12, Rustle Hill Winery in Cobden will host a concert; the second pre-party, a fashion show, will be at the Marion Dillard’s on Aug. 28.

For access to vouchers and more information on the Women’s Center’s services and upcoming events, visit http://www.thewomensctr.org or call 618-529-8083.

Marissa Novel can be reached at [email protected].