Hospice Maui plays an important role in the Maui community.

The private, nonprofit organization is “dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people coping with terminal illnesses, and their families.”

Offering in-home services since 1981, Hospice Maui provides physical comfort and emotional and spiritual support for people who are terminally ill.

Equally vital, the charity supports and assists their families before death and while they are grieving.

In celebration of Hospice Maui’s 29th anniversary of service to the community, the nonprofit will hold its first annual island-wide fund-raising event, “Dine Out for Hospice Maui,” on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Restaurants around the island — including Mala Ocean Tavern, Hard Rock Café, Maui Brewing Company and Café O’Lei Napili in West Maui — are uniting to donate, all on the same day, a percentage of sales ranging from 10 to 25 percent to Hospice Maui.

It’s easy — enjoy a night out and support Hospice Maui and island restaurants.

“The downturn in the economy has affected almost everybody the last two or three years. But if we all join together to help our local businesses that support so many people with jobs and paychecks, and then the businesses turn around and support our local non-profits, then we all benefit and help the economic turnaround,” the charity explained.

Go to www.hospicemaui.org/ to see the entire list of participating restaurants for “Dine Out for Hospice Maui.” For more information, call 244-5555.