Dining Out For Life

A Tale of 2 Cities: The Twin Cities

2011-04-28T12:14:00.002-04:00

Today, the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Rochester have 164 restaurants to chose from to dine and wine at, with a portion of the day and night’s proceeds going towards The Aliveness Project. The “project” is actually a community center located in South Minneapolis and provides services and programs to the HIV/AIDS community. Last year, Dining Out for Life raised $161K in donations from restaurants, sponsors, and you, the individual diner. This year, the goal is $170K. And with restaurants donating up to 50%, this seems like goal that can be met!

Try Toast Wine Bar & Café for a great wine-and-cheese date night. The Minneapolis restaurant has a food menu that includes options like decadent thin crust pizzas, cheeses, olives, crostini, and more. The wine menu includes sake, reds and whites from Italy, Germany, France, Chile, Spain, Oregon, and Cali. And the dessert menu includes cookies, pies, and of course, dessert wines and after-dinner ports.

Or, try Cupcake. Located on University Avenue in Minneapolis, it’s the building with the giant blue coffee mug on the corner. The café menu includes breakfast all day with choices like quiche, granola, fruit, pastries, and eggs, plus lunch and dinner options. Cupcake also offers a carb of the day and fresh side of the day, and happy hours with discounts like $2 off a Panini or $1 off Espresso drinks. They also have a wide variety of affordable specialty cupcakes (like a June Cleaver cupcake), which would satisfy any sweet tooth.

The Windy City is Gearing up for Dining Out for Life

2011-04-28T11:40:00.002-04:00

Dining Out for Life can finally do fun things like purchase lottery tickets, vote, and get a belly button piercing, as it celebrates its 18th year in Chicago, IL. Last year Chicagoans raised over $100,000 to continue the mission of providing housing and life services to adults and children living with HIV/AIDs. And this year, they’re aiming to raise $250,000. With over 100 restaurants participating, aiming high never tasted so good.

One option is Wilde Bar & Restaurant. Wilde, as in Oscar Wilde, lures visitors in with its combination of upscale ambiance with that of an Irish bar, right in the heart of the Lakeview neighborhood. Menu options include whiskey wings, Wilde macaroni and cheese, burgers, salads, fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, rosemary roasted garlic chicken, and more. You can chose to dine and/or drink at an antique Brunswick bar, a leather booth, or by the fireplace in the grand library.

If dining with Oscar isn’t your thing, then you could dine at Ceres’ Table. Inspired by Ceres, the Roman goddess of the harvest, this restaurant is owned and operated by a Chicagan and Sicilian duo, who worked together to create a menu of fresh, seasonal, and traditional recipes. Some examples of entrées include arancini (fried risotto balls filled with meat, cheese, and/or veggies), goat cheese ravioli, gnocchi alla romana, and more. They also offer cocktails and dessert.

For the full 100+ list of participating restaurants in Chicago, go HERE!

ASK Kamloops what to do TODAY!

2011-04-28T11:33:00.003-04:00

Nestled at two branches of the Thompson River and near the Kamloops Lake, Kamloops, BC is one of the most Western cities participating in Dining Out of Life 2011. By dining out at a participating restaurant TODAY, 25% of proceeds will go towards the AIDS Society of Kamloops (ASK), who is partnering with SOS Children’s Village in Mbabane, Swaizland (in Southern Africa) to help the children in this village. They’re even working towards building a media/social center for the children.

If you’re looking for to heat up your night, try Hot House. Self-proclaimed “Creators of Real Food”, this restaurant offers spicy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. The breakfast options are always made with organic, free range eggs and are served with either organic hash browns or a salad. And dinner includes epic salads (when’s the last time you had seared garlic prawns on a salad?), tacos, chimichangas, and more.

Or, for a local menu, go to Bistro 326. Bistro 326 opened in 2005 and has since become a premier restaurant in the downtown core of Kamloops, B.C. The menu is seasonal with weekly dinner features and lunch specials that change daily, and the wine list is composed of varieties from local British Columbia wineries.

There are lots of other options in Kamloops, too. Check them out HERE!

The biggest city in the smallest state: Providence, Rhode Island

2011-04-27T09:22:00.006-04:00

On April 28, 2011, the biggest city in the smallest state will be participating in the international event of Dining Out for Life. Participating restaurants will donate 25% of purchases to AIDS Project Rhode Island , which provides HIV/AIDS care and prevention services.

Restaurants all over Providence are participating. You can go Mexican at the Cactus Grille, Italian at Il Fornello, or American at Johnny Rockets.

Or, since you’re in the Ocean State, you can go for seafood. If you’re looking for fresh, fresh, fresh, try Matunuck Oyster Bar. Originating from the Ocean State Aqua Farm, Matunuck Oyster Bar offers dishes made from the freshest ingredients gathered from Rhode Island farmers, harvesters, and bakers’ products. The menu includes Rhode Island and New England clam chowder, calamari, fried whole belly clams, grilled swordfish, and more. And while you’re watching oysters being shucked right in front of you on April 28, know that 25% of the proceeds are going to the AIDS project.

Regardless of where you chow down for lunch or dinner, you can definitely stop by Three Sisters afterwards for coffee or ice cream. Voted “Best Ice Cream” by Rhode Island Monthly, Three Sisters has a menu that includes breakfast, salads, wraps, paninis, and club sandwiches. And their ice cream is homemade with the help of local cows, and is offered in classics like brownie sundaes, banana splits, and ice cream sandwiches.

The City of Roses: Portland, OR

2011-04-26T17:01:00.004-04:00

Three cheers for three years! On Thursday, April 28, 2011, Portland, OR will be celebrating its third year of Dining Out for Life. Dining out at a participating restaurant means 20% to 30% of the bill will go directly to EMO’s HIV Day Center and The Partnership Project, both of which provide programs and services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Portland region.

One participating restaurant is the Blue Monk. Whatever a makes a monk blue, it must have something to do with delicious dinner options and impressive beer selections. The Blue Monk’s dinner menu is offered from 5pm to 1am, perfect for people with who don’t do the usual 9 to 5. Described as “large portions of East Coast Italian food”, Monk offers spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parm, vegan lasagna, and more. And beers like Chimay White and Franziskaner (the original Hefe-weizen recipe) are on tap.

Another option is The Original. The Original’s full name is The Original Dinerant, and has a menu inspired by American supper clubs of the 30s and 40s, and diners of the 50s. This restaurant offers all day dining. No really. All. Day. They have a breakfast menu, brunch menu, lunch menu, happy hour menu, dinner menu, and late night menu. They offer breakfast options like eggs benedict, pancakes, and omelets; lunch options like salads, an open-face turkey sandwich, and burgers; and dinner options like beef stroganoff, gnocchi, and scallop Rockefeller.

A Gift From Subaru To Our Dine Out For Life Family

2011-04-26T11:54:00.012-04:00

We've got a SWEET REWARD for all those friends who participate in Dining Out For Life! A pile of chocolate! No, kidding...But we do have a reward...

Every person that makes a reservation at a participating restaurant, volunteers or donates time or money to their local Dining Out for Life charity - anyone who somehow participates - will be eligible to get an exclusive VIP Partner discount (up to $3,000 off the MSRP) on a new Subaru! VROOM-VROOM!

1) If someone participates in DOFL, call 610/397-0100 or email kristina@15minutesinc.com and request a Subaru VIP Program offer -or- visit HERE.

2)To shop for your shiny new Subaru and take advantage of the VIP savings, you will need an Authorized Dealer Visitation form. Get all the details HERE!

So, isn't that easy?

By being a sweet person, having some fun, and supporting your local Dining Out For Life event, you can get a nice little discount on your next Subaru vehicle! Isn't that fabu?

On the Road(s) Again!

2011-04-26T07:38:00.002-04:00

Located on the coast of Virginia, Hampton Roads will be home to Dining Out for Life on Thursday, April 28, 2011. At last year’s event, over $75,000 was raised. Will this year beat last year’s record? Only if you participate!

Part of the proceeds for the day will be donated to Access AIDS Care, which is a group with the noble mission to provide greater access to comprehensive HIV support services.

The participating restaurants vary, and there are over 40 to chose from. One highlight includes family-friendly restaurant, the Broken Egg Bistro. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner at both the Kempsville and Suffolk locations, this neighborhood bistro has lots of options. Broken Egg offers a staggering amount of egg options (three egg omelets, sandwiches, combos), plus a full lunch and dinner menu, ranging from chicken to oysters to pasta. And a wine list. Eggcelent!

Nawshin’ in Nashville

2011-04-19T09:01:00.003-04:00

This year marks the ninth year that Dining Out for Life will be taking over the charming city of Nashville. On Tuesday, April 26, 2011, restaurants around the city will be donating anywhere from 30% to 75% of the day’s proceeds to Nashville Cares. Nashville Cares provides HIV/AIDS education, support, and compassion for all for Nashville and the surrounding areas, and is the perfect reason for you to dine out.

“Nashville’s Original Restaurant”, the Tin Angel, is one of the participating restaurants. A Cheers of the sorts, the Tin Angel, is place to go for warm food and a warm atmosphere. Regulars and newbies alike fill the restaurant, which offers a dinner menu ranging from risotto to burgers.

Or, for some Asian Fusion, take a step inside Suzy Wong’s House of Yum. This House will be donating a full 100% of food proceeds to Nashville Cares. They offer sushi, soups, salads, Yum bowls, and more. What’s a Yum Bowl, you ask? Well, you’ll just have to go to this generous restaurant on April 26 to find out, won’t you?

SVEN SUNDGAARD, KARE 11 Meteorologist, To Be Celebrity Diner For “DINING OUT FOR LIFE” in Twin Cities!

2011-04-18T11:30:00.010-04:00

The Aliveness Project is proud to announce that Sven Sundgaard, KARE 11 meteorologist, has again agreed to be the celebrity spokesperson for their 17th annual “Dining Out For Life” fundraiser. Proceeds of the 17th annual Dining Out for Life event benefit The Aliveness Project, a nonprofit organization that provides hot meals, food shelf service, integrative therapies, holiday baskets, case management and educational services to individuals living with HIV and their families.

The mission of The Aliveness Project is to encourage self-empowerment and provide direct services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Last year, The Aliveness Project served over 1,572 individuals – which is one of four Minnesotans living with HIV/AIDS. “This is a unique opportunity for people to join in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Just choose one of our restaurants and enjoy your meal or meals with a group of friends — all you have to donate is your appetite!” said Aliveness Project’s Executive Director, Joe Larson. “Dining Out for Life has benefited The Aliveness Project for the past sixteen years,” added Larson. “Last year, Dining Out for Life raised over $161,000.00 to support our services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in our community. This year, we are excited to have even more diners planning to participate during breakfast, lunch or dinner on April 28.”

Established in 1985, The Aliveness Project is a community drop-in center located in south Minneapolis and dedicated to serving people living with HIV/AIDS. The Aliveness Project provides nutritious meals, a food shelf, integrative therapies, holiday baskets, case management and educational resources to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Last year, more than 1,572 individuals living with HIV used our services — which is one out for four Minnesotans living with HIV/AIDS. Hundreds of their family members also benefit from the food shelf, meal program, holiday baskets and other services offered by The Aliveness Project. Approximately 47 percent of the people who use these services are people of color and the majority of them live in poverty and in dire need of these services. Dining Out for Life provides support for much-needed services for those living with HIV/AIDS. The Aliveness Project is proud to announce that Sven Sundgaard, KARE 11 meteorologist, has again agreed to be the celebrity spokesperson for this very special event. Each year, thousands of diners participate by dining at one of over 165 restaurants. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends and have a good time, while at the same time doing something good for our local HIV/AIDS community. More than two-thirds of our church membership participated last year and we’re already planning for this year,” stated Pastor Mary Albing of Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer in south Minneapolis.

This year’s participating restaurants include:
128 Café, 318 Café, 8th Street Grill, Acqua, Afton House Inn, al Vento, Amazing Grace Bakery & Café (Duluth), Angelo's Italian Restaurant, Anodyne @ 43rd, Arezzo Ristorante, Aster Café, At Sara's Table/Chester Creek Café (Duluth), B.A.N.K., Bambu, Bar Abilene, Barbette, Beaujo's Wine Bar & Bistro, Birchwood Café, Black Dog Café & Wine Bar, Black Forest Inn, Blackbird Café, Boca Chica Restaurant, Brasa Rotisserie, Brugger’s Bagels, The Bulldog Lowertown, The Bulldog Uptown, Buona Sera, The Butcher Block Bar & Restaurant, C.C. Club, Café Ena, Café Maude, Café Twenty-Eight, Campus Pizza, Carmelo's Ristorante, Chiang Mai Thai, Chin Dian, Chris & Rob’s Chicago Taste Authority (Fridley, Minneapolis, St. Paul), Christos Greek Restaurant (Minnetonka), Christos Union Depot Place, Citizen Café, Colossal Café, Craftsman Restaurant, Cupcake, Cuppa Java Coffee and Deli, Curran's Restaurant, Dover Restaurant & Bar, Dunn Bros Coffee (Roseville), eagleBOLTbar, Ecopolitan, Eden Avenue Grill, El Mesón, El Nuevo Rodeo, El Paraiso Mexican Restaurant, Elsie’s, Erte & The Peacock Lounge, Everest on Grand, FACES Mears Park, Falafel King, Fat Lorenzo's, Finnish Bistro, FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, Fireroast Mountain Café, First Course, Forum, Fujiya Japanese (Minneapolis), Fusion, Galactic Pizza, Gigi’s Café, Ginger Hop Restaurant, The Glockenspiel, Grand Café, Great Waters Brewing Company, Hazel’s Northeast, Heidi’s Minneapolis, The Herkimer Pub and Brewery, Highland Café & Bakery, Himalayan Restaurant (Fridley and Mpls), Hot Plate, Il Gatto, The Independent, It's Greek to Me, Jackson’s Coffee & Gelato, Jakeeno's Pizza & Pasta, J.D. Hoyt’s, Jitters Coffee & Tea House (Duluth), Joe's Garage Restaurant, Joseph’s Family Restaurant, Kafé 421, Khyber Pass Café, La Chaya Bistro, Lone Spur Grill & Bar, Loring Kitchen & Bar, Lucia’s Restaurant and Wine Bar, Luna Rossa Trattoria & Wine Bar, LUSH Food Bar, Lyon’s Pub, The Malt Shop Restaurant, Manny's Tortas, Maverick's Wood Grill, May Day Café, Maynard's Restaurant (Excelsior), McCoy's Public House, Moose and Sadie's, moto-i Sake Brewery Restaurant, Muffuletta, Napa Valley Grille, New Bistro, Nonna Rosa’s Ristorante Italiano, Pagoda, Pancho Villa's Grill, Papa's Restaurant and Deli, Park Tavern Bowling & Entertainment Center, Piccolo, Pizza Lucé (DINE-IN ONLY: St. Paul, Seward/University, Uptown, Duluth, Hopkins and Downtown Mpls), The Purple Onion Café, Rail Station Bar & Grill, Rainbow Chinese Restaurant & Bar, Red Stag Supperclub, Restaurant Alma, Restaurant Aura, Rinata, Riverview Café & Wine Bar, Roat Osha, Roman Anthony’s Italian Restaurant, Rudolphs Bar-B-Que, Rustica Bakery, The Saloon, The Sample Room, Sanctuary, Santorini, Sapor Café/Bar, Sawatdee & Zushiya of Maple Grove, Sawatdee St. Paul, Sawatdee Thai Restaurant (Washington Ave), Sen Yai Sen Lek, Senor Wong, Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake (Duluth), Sontes (Rochester), Spill The Wine, Spoonriver, St. Clair Broiler, Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room, Stella's Fish Café, Supatra's Thai Cuisine, Tanpopo Noodle Shop, Thanh Do Restaurant, Thom Pham’s Wondrous Azian Kitchen, Toast Wine Bar & Café, Tooties on Lowry, Trattoria da Vinci, Tum Rup Thai, Va Bene Berarducci's Caffe (Duluth), Victor's 1959 Café, Vina Restaurant, W.A. Frost, Wilde Roast Café, & Yum! (Take Out Only).

All proceeds raised from Dining Out for Life support local services. Individual donations also may be sent to: The Aliveness Project, 730 East 38th Street, Minneapolis MN, 55407, or be processed online at www.aliveness.org.

Ted Allen of Food Network’s Chopped talks about the Most Satisfying Meal You’ll Have All Year

2011-04-18T11:01:00.011-04:00

It was an easy decision for Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s hit series Chopped, to get involved with Dining Out for Life^sm, the annual one-day fundraiser held in nearly 60 cities across North America. This year, in partnership with over 3,500 restaurants and with the help of more than 250,000 diners, Dining Out for Life expects to raise over $4 million to support essential services for men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS. With the support of their Host Sponsor Subaru of America, nearly 60 organizations across the continent are working hard to achieve and surpass that goal.

When asked what prompted him to personally step up as a spokesperson for Dining Out for Life, Allen explained, “First, the AIDS crisis continues… and with the new federal budget slashing another $1 billion for AIDS care, it is more important than ever to keep HIV/AIDS on the front burner. Too many people think it's a minor problem solved by swallowing a few pills. It isn't. Second, while supporting local restaurants, chefs, and restaurant workers, Dining Out for Life donations help those right in the same community. Finally, the event gives everybody a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the cause in such a simple way.”

Although much about the disease has changed over the past 30 years, the fact remains that an estimated 1.2 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, nearly half without appropriate healthcare. With one in five people not even realizing they are infected, it is estimated that 60,000 new HIV infections will occur in the U.S. this year, with the majority under age 29.

Now is the time to help, suggests Allen: “This country is trying desperately to recover from the recession, and the people who used to donate or volunteer at food banks and soup kitchens now are struggling to feed their own families. It is more important than ever for those of us who are able, to donate time and resources.”

About Subaru of America, Inc

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

From Here To Kalamazoo!

2011-04-15T09:45:00.008-04:00

Anyone from Kalamazoo, Michigan will hold up his or her hand, and point to the lower left corner, indicating that they’re from the Southwestern part of the state. Michiganians share this special trait of explaining to East Coasters, West Coasters, and Southerners just where exactly they’re from, and it helps for figuring out what’s where in the state.

This city in the lower left corner of the Michigan mitten will be participating in Dining Out for Life on Thursday, April 28, 2011, with proceeds going toward CARES, which is the second-largest HIV/AIDS service provider in the state. CARES’ mission is to minimize further transmission of HIV and to maximize the quality of life for all people affected by HIV. They do this by being a successful social enterprise, building financial strength, and attracting and retaining engaged staff, board, and volunteers. To find out more about CARES, go to.

Participating restaurants will donate anywhere from 25% to 50% of their proceeds from the day to CARES. The 411 Club is the leader of the pack, with a pledge to donate 50% of the day’s profit. The Club is Kalamazoo’s new home for Blues, Zydeco, Jazz, and other American music, and features a full dinner menu from 5pm to 10pm.

Other participating eating establishments include Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill’s Downtown, Wing West, and West locations, Burdick’s Breakfast Express, Bella Sorelle, and more. Find something to tickle your fancy on April 28, 2011.

Why Do You Dine Out For Life?

2011-04-12T13:10:00.012-04:00

Why do you Dine Out For Life? Is it just another meal? Is it a good reason to go out and spend money?

Is it a worthy cause you feel comfortable supporting? Is it a great excuse to have a night out with friends? Or do you have a more personal reason?

Are you battling HIV/AIDS? Is someone you are close with living with HIV/AIDS? Perhaps you have lost a friend, a brother, a sister, a parent, or a child to the disease? Why do you Dine Out For Life?

We want to know why! All answers – from “I want to help!” to “I lost a lover…” Are powerful and appreciated! You’d be surprised, you might find there are others who have the same reason! Now, one more request…If you feel comfortable enough sharing, we want you to tell us publicly!

Why do you Dine Out For Life?

We want you to post in the comments below. We want you to leave a note on Facebook. We want you to tell us via Twitter. We don’t care how you tell us, but we want to here YOUR story.

Why do you Dine Out For Life?

It’s not just for us. We need to share our stories with the community. We need to remind one another why this ‘cause isn’t just delicious – why it is IMPORTANT. We need to make sure those who have lost the fight with HIV/AIDS are remembered, and their valiant effort and amazing lives are not forgotten.

We need to encourage those who haven’t faced the disease to get involved….NOW!

Let's make our social media sites, our blog, our Facebook page, our Twitter a VIRTUAL MEMORIAL for all those who have inspired us!

Vacation Getaway Contest!

2011-04-11T09:40:00.007-04:00

For those of you who are Dining Out For Life in the Hudson Valley - you have an extra incentive to eat out for charity

AIDS-Related Community Services has secured a trip for two from New York to London as a grand prize for its Dining Out for Life raffle!

The prize is being donated by British Airways. One grand prize winner will receive two ‘World Traveller Class’ tickets on a British Airways flight from New York to London and a three-night stay at a three-star hotel! Diners at our Dining Out for Life restaurants who donate $100 or more will be automatically be entered into a random drawing to win this grand prize.

The drawing will be held at ARCS’ Dining Out for Life wrap-up party on April 28, 2011 between 9:30 and 11:00 pm at Delafield’s Restaurant in Poughkeepsie, NY, one of our participating restaurants. (The winner does not need to be present to win.) We will post a video of the drawing on our YouTube channel on April 29th and will contact the winner that day.

The trip is valid for one year from date of issue and is subject to restrictions, and reservations must be made in advance. This generous donation was made possible by the work of Ellen Maher, a new employee to ARCS’ special events and fund-raising department and a former British Airways employee.

Everything’s bigger in Texas

2011-04-08T12:48:00.002-04:00

The city that brought us Howard Hughes, Hillary Duff, and Beyonce is now joining the good fight against HIV/AIDS and donating funds towards AIDS Foundation Houston. On Thursday, April 28, 2011, restaurants across Houston have agreed to donate 33% of their sales from the day to the nonprofit organization.

With this money, the AIDS Foundation Houston will be able to continue to have programs and services that provide housing, case management, and food assistance to nearly 5,000 HIV positive men, women, and children in the area. This is Texas’ first organization dedicated to HIV prevention education and services and has been going strong since 1982. Dining Out for Life in an opportunity to support both local businesses and this organization that’s making a significant difference in Houston’s HIV/AIDS population.

Try not to be overwhelmed when you go to Dining Out For Life to browse the list of participating restaurants. One spotlight-worthy restaurant is Riva’s Italian Restaurant, which will be donating every single penny made on April 28 to Dining Out for Life. Located at 1112 Missouri Street in Houston, Riva’s offers pork, lamb, seafood, and chicken in delicious dishes for both lunch and dinner.

If a creative name says anything about the quality of a restaurant, then Houston’s Dining Out for Life options renders lots of good restaurants. With choices like The Breakfast Klub (3711 Travis Street), The Boom Boom Room (2518 Yale Street), and Tacos A Go-Go (3704 Main Street), as possibilities for the April 28, 2011 event, you’ll be sure to find something for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Sobering Facts About HIV/AIDS

2011-04-06T11:19:00.005-04:00

Why do we still Dine Out? Why?

According to the most recent data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the UN Report on AIDS, there are an estimated 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. – the highest level ever.

Estimates suggest that at least one third of all new HIV infections in the U.S. are among those younger than 29, and that the majority of young people are infected sexually.

Approximately 25-30% of people infected with HIV do not know it.

About half of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S. are not receiving medial care.

Aren't these facts upsetting and shocking?

They should be. But, we all can still do something - the fight is not over. Let these sobering statistics energize you and remind you WHY we are all still committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS!

Share this post with your friends and family. Tell your community! And organize a bunch of friends to join us ALL on April 28th!

Apple and Steak: The Perfect Combo

2011-04-04T09:46:00.004-04:00

Silicon Valley is home to power houses that changed the world like Google and Apple. The Valley is now home to another world-changing event: Dining Out for Life. With proceeds going towards Health Trust AIDS Services, the Thursday, April 28, 2011 event will help continue services to Silicon Valley and Santa Clara County residents with HIV/AIDS.

Sponsors include The Mercury News newspaper, 94.5 K-Bay, NBC Bay Area, Yelp.com, and GayCities.com. These are the people who bring you news and the latest events in the area. They know what’s worth paying attention to, and have made the leap to sponsoring Dining Out for Life and helping in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The support from the local media may stem from the fact that over 50 area restaurants will be donating a portion of the day’s profit. This lengthy list can be found HERE!

Try Bushido Izakaya for Japanese food that will be sure to satisfy your body and soul. “Bushido” refers to a code of conduct that all samurais lived by, which included values like dedication, honor, loyalty, veracity, sacrifice, courage, bravery, and a fearless spirit. This restaurant, located in Mountain View, CA, created a menu with a variety of options and will be helping in raising funds for Health Trust AIDS Services.

Or, for a dinner reminiscent of Havana nights, try Habana Cuba Restaurant. Their home style and blends of tropical seasonings are geared to bring dinner patrons back to Old Havana. Over 50 years of experience shows in a menu that has options like slow roasted port marinated in citrus juices, and lamb baked in tangy tomato sauce.

Reno, 411

2011-03-29T18:01:00.004-04:00

Unless you’re Dining Out for Life in Reno, you’re in Rubble!

Dining Out for Life in the Reno and Northern Nevada area will benefit Northern Nevada H.O.P.E.S. On Thursday, April 28, 2011, dine at a participating restaurant and support the nonprofit organization that is the premier center for HIV/AIDS treatment and care in Nevada . H.O.P.E.S covers most of the state, except for the four counties surrounding the Las Vegas region. H.O.P.E.S. wants to unite Nevadans in the battle against HIV/AIDS, and works hard to provide ongoing, patient-centered clinical intervention, case management, and community leadership. To learn more about H.O.P.E.S and or follow them on Twitter at @NNHopes.

Participating restaurants include Fresh Mex. This Mexican restaurant encourages all consumers to “never trust a skinny chef!” and has a philosophy to never use box cutters, can openers, or microwaves. All ingredients are fresh and mostly local, making up dishes like fresh tacos, jumbo burritos, quesadillas, and more.

Or, if you’re more of a wino, Whispering Vine Wine Company is also participating in Dining Out for Life. The Whispering Vine offers fine wine at incredible prices. With a selection of over 2,400 wines, 1,500 of which are under $20 and 450 that are under $10, you’re guaranteed to find something you like, or at least something you’re willing to try.

To find out which restaurants in the Reno area are participating on April 28, 2011, go HERE!

First Coast Restaurants Participate to Benefit Northeast Florida AIDS Network

2011-03-25T09:37:00.004-04:00

On April 28, 2011, local restaurants in Jacksonville, Fla., will donate a percentage of their proceeds to fight the growing epidemic of AIDS on the First Coast. This 2011 Dining Out For Life (DOFL) event will benefit Northeast Florida AIDS Network (NFAN), a non-profit organization that serves the city’s more than 1,500 HIV and AIDS patients.

“The city of Jacksonville is ranked fifth in the state for the number of AIDS cases. Jacksonville’s documented cases have increased over the past year, while funding continues to decrease,” said Donna Fuchs, executive director at NFAN. “With the struggling economy, our community’s support is needed more than ever-especially at a time when many people believe the HIV crisis is no longer a crisis. Dining Out for Life provides needed support to Northeast Florida AIDS Network, allowing the agency to continue to serve more than 1,500 families each year.”

This will be Northeast Florida AIDS Network sixth year having Dining Out for Life in Jacksonville. The title sponsor for this year’s event is AHF Healthcare Center. Last year, 14 restaurants, including Secret Garden Café, Espeto Brazilian Steakhouse and Chew Restaurant, participated, raising more than $12,000.00.

OTHER 2011 participating restaurants are:

Espeto Brazilian Steakhouse; North Beach Bistro; Matthew’s Restaurant; Burrito Gallery; Biscottis; Pizza Palace on the Park; Pizza Palace Baymeadows; Secret Garden Café; Chew; The Sandwich Company; Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill; Three Layers; Restaurant Orsay; Taverna

“On behalf of Winn-Dixie’s 50,000 associates, I would like to encourage you to participate in the 2011 Dining Out for Life event. By joining this remarkable effort, you will bring hope and support to the thousands of men, women and children throughout northeast Florida who are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS,” said Chef Robert Tulko, Winn Dixie executive chef and Dining Out For Life spokesperson.

The Northeast Florida AIDS Network (NFAN) is a 501C(3) charitable organization that was founded in 1989 as a regional organization responsible for coordinating HIV/AIDS services in northeast Florida. Today, NFAN is a community-based service agency with the sole purpose of providing comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy services and programs to those living in Duval, Clay, Baker, St. John's and Nassau counties. As an experienced AIDS agency, NFAN also serves as a partner in key statewide and national advocacy coalitions. For more information, call (904) 356-1612 or visit www.nfanjax.org.

Mile High Dining!

2011-03-22T10:49:00.008-04:00

Colarado! The Rocky Mountains and the Rockies baseball team are just two highlights to this Western state, which boasts beautiful landscapes, diverse cities, and now, Dining Out for Life. On Thursday, April 28, 2011, restaurants across in the Fort Collins area and Northern Colorado will be raising HIV/AIDS awareness and bringing in funds for the Northern Colorado AIDS Project (NCAP).

Dubbed by NCAP as “Dinner with a side of hope,” Dining Out for Life will help get funds to a fantastic organization that aims to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS, and to help reduce the spread—and stigma—of the disease. In its 26^th year of making a difference, NCAP reaches out to those affected by the disease in Northern Colorado, including the remote sections. To find out more about the mission and accomplishments of NCAP, go to HERE. You can also find them on Facebook.

Hours of operation vary for each restaurant, but with Austin's American Grill, there’s no excuse for not participating in Fort Collins’ Dining Out for Life. Both Austin's in Old Town and on Harmony Rd. will be donating a portion of sales from lunch and dinner. Go any time on April 28, 2011, and rest assured that your cash will be going to the right spot. Austin’s American Grill is Fort Collins’ favorite hip, comfortable place to meet and eat. Enjoy savory meats cooked over an open flame, cocktails made with fresh squeezed juice and desserts made from scratch. Austin’s is always a welcome slice of home and a genuine taste of home-style American comfort food.

Dining Out for Life in Fort Collins is backed by some impressive sponsors, too. The radio station that plays the songs of the moment,99.9 The Point, and Odell Brewing Company, the brewers who bring you crafted beer, are sponsoring Dining Out for Life. To see who and what else supports this annual event, go HERE!

Lucky Louisiana

2011-03-15T11:06:00.003-04:00

Lake Charles, Louisiana is home to the only white sand inland beach on the Gulf Coast; waterfront parks; 75 festivals a year; and now, Dining Out for Life. On April 28, 2011, Lake Charles will be celebrating a second year of raising funds to go towards the Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council, with a variety of restaurants contributing to the cause. Options include food joints like Sweets & Treats, where you can go to satisfy your cookie cravings; or Cedars Greek & Lebanese Restaurant, to get some Eastern spice into your life. For a full list, go HERE!

One highlight is that both Steamboat Bill’s locations are participating. Steamboat Bill’s is a seafood restaurant that started with a single mom and a dream, and now has a location on Interstate 10 and another at Broad Street and Highway 14. Menu options include shrimp pistolette, crawfish pistolette, stuff shrimp, stuffed crabs, and more. Steamboat Bill’s will be donating 25% of sales to the fight against HIV/AIDS, and offers lunch and dinner. To see the full menu that would shame Bubba Gump, visit HERE .

And while you’re enjoying shrimp gumbo, know that you’re helping the Southwest Louisiana AIDS Council. Started in 1990, this group held an annual gala for over 15 years. They’ve raised over $45,000 which has gone towards assistance with food, medications, housing, and other services for people in Southwest Louisiana who are living with HIV or AIDS, and their families affected by the disease. They’ve replaced their gala with Dining Out for Life, a national fundraising event that joins cities across the country and into Canada in the fight against HIV/AIDS!

DINE OUT & RAISE AWARENESS

2011-03-09T14:36:00.004-05:00

This Thursday – March 10th – Washington, DC will celebrate 15 years of Dining Out for Life. 145 Restaurants, 150 Volunteer Ambassadors and thousands of diners will join together to raise money for the clients of Food & Friends. Food & Friends provides daily, home-delivered, nutritious meals to children and adults in the region battling HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. Since 1988, more than 13.5 million meals have been delivered to more than 20,000 individuals in need.

This year, Dining Out for Life, DC is proud to share March 10th with National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

This nationwide observance, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH), encourages individuals to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS by helping organizations come together to offer support, encourage discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS is a serious public health issue affecting nearly 280,000 women in the United States. While men account for most HIV/AIDS cases, the impact on women is growing. In addition, research shows that, when compared to men, women face gaps in access and care.

National Women and Girl’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is March 10th but OWH encourages you to take part in events in your city throughout the month. Here’s how you can help:

DINE OUT TOMORROW: Find a Restaurant at www.foodandfriends.org/dol or text 30364 to DOFLDC

Organize a screening event or health fair in your community.

· Promote NWGHAAD through your blog, Facebook or Twitter. Download a web banner at http://womenshealth.gov/nwghaad/activity-planning/web-print-graphics.cfm

· Send an E-card. Visit, http://womenshealth.gov/nwghaad/activity-planning/e-card.cfm

For more information on Dining Out for Life, DC, visit www.foodandfriends.org/dol or call (202) 269-6883. Also, learn more about upcoming Dining Out for Life events in your city by visit www.diningoutforlife.com.

For more information about National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, visit www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad.

Oh Paso, my El Paso!

2011-03-08T11:18:00.002-05:00

Sunny El Paso, Texas celebrates another year of Dining Out for Life, which will help keep International AIDS Empowerment thriving. On Thursday, April 28, 2011, nearly 30 area restaurants will be donating 25% of their sales for the day.

Just like its array of residents, El Paso has a variety of restaurants that will satisfy any craving, ranging from sushi to burgers, Italian to sandwiches, many of which are participating in this event. For a full list of restaurants options, go HERE .

If you have a case of cinephila, pay a visit to Fellini Film Café, located at 220 Cincinnati Street. The café, which pays tribute to the Italian cinema master Frederico Fellini, features a menu that includes a variety of pick-me-ups like espressos, cappuccinos, and teas, with desserts, salads, custom-made sandwiches, and even a vegetarian menu. And on April 28, 2011, C.R.A.Z.Y, the critically-acclaimed French Film, will be the feature film. Bon Appetite! For more information on food, drinks, and films, go to the website.

Whether you chose a salad or steak, the main benefit is that you’ll be supporting a good cause. International AIDS Empowerment works day-in and day-out to provide quality care, prevention, and social services to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. This group creates and carries out programs like HIV/AIDS education, HIV/AIDS screening and peer case management, and feeds families affected by HIV in their hometown of El Paso. For more information, or to find out how to donate on days other than April 28, 2011, go HERE!

AIDS Community Services of Western NY: Buffalo's Dining Out For Life

2011-02-25T11:50:00.004-05:00

Chilly upstate New York has something to look forward to this spring…The next Dining Out For Life event will be in Buffalo, NY on April 26, 2011. The Western New York region has 100 participating restaurants for diners to choose from. If you are in the mood for a juicy slow-roasted prime rib, Alfie’s Restaurant is your place, or if you are into traditional Italian cuisine, try Cecelia’s Ristorante. Both of these participating restaurants donate 50% of your bill to AIDS Community Services of Western New York. If you are more passionate about your contribution, you can go to Erie Community College’s buffet style cafeteria on April 13^th, where they donate 100% to the AIDS organization.

The AIDS Community Services of Western New York started in 1983 as the Buffalo AIDS Task Force. It started with a hotline, created a team of 100 volunteer educators a year later, and bought a building the following year. The not for profit community based organization continued to grow quickly and has recently produced a documentary film with a public television station and purchased an apartment building to expand their housing services.The organization is committed to ending the AIDS epidemic and minimizing the effects on its surrounding area by providing medical, supportive, and prevention services. To learn more about the AIDS Community Services of Western New York, visit their website at www. aidscommunityservices.com.

Dining Out For Life of Western New York raises around $100,000 each year. You can volunteer as an ambassador by telling everyone you know about the campaign and greeting diners on the night of the event. Sign up to be an ambassador! Their big sponsors include Subaru of America, Lawley Insurance, Bank of America, BEE Group Newspaper, and WBFO.

Hot New Campaign : Status Sexy!

2011-02-17T14:56:00.005-05:00

The AIDS Partnership Michigan’s new movement aims to promote knowing your HIV status with a sexy, high fashion, modern style. Their latest campaign shows that getting tested for HIV shows confidence, and confidence is always sexy. (Check it out at www.statussexy.com ! Yowza! Hot stuff! )

The campaign originated from a mobilization effort targeting men who sex with men and may be helping to bash the fear some people have about getting tested.

“According to the CDC, 52% of new HIV infections are in young black men, which is why they were targeted for this effort. Statistics also show that those who do not know their HIV status account for up to 70% of new sexually transmitted HIV infections in the US. However, most who learn they are infected take important steps to protect others from infection”

Some companies have already refused to run the ads. While some may find the message too risqué, I believe that there can never be too many efforts to stop a deadly disease sweeping our nation. Different methods will attract different kinds of people to help get the message out to everyone.

Dining Out For Life: DC is on March 10th!

2011-02-16T10:42:00.008-05:00

While most of the nation has a few more months to wait before Dining Out For Life on Thursday, April 28th; our friends and allies in DC only have to wait a few more weeks. On Thursday, March 10th, over 150 restaurants throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area will donate 25% to an astounding 110% of their proceeds to Food & Friends.

Along with nutrition counseling, Food & Friends prepares, packages and delivers meals and groceries to more than 2,800 people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses throughout Washington, DC, 7 counties of Maryland and 7 counties and 6 independent cities in Virginia. Since 1988, Food & Friends has provided food and companionship to our clients, their loved ones and caregivers.

Simply by dining out, DC supporters can ensure that thousands of children and adults facing HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses, receive the daily, nutritious meals so vital to their care.

Some restaurants in the DC area are amazingly generous with their donations; like Freddie’s Beach Bar who donates 110% of your bill, or Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, Posto, and Ristorante Tosca that all donate 100%. But, Dining Out For Life in DC is made possible by the many incredible restaurants, volunteers, and supporters who make it an incredible night to remember. For people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses, the battle is far from over. Food & Friends just makes sure no one has to face it on an empty stomach.

So, gather your friends and colleague, choose a restaurant and enjoy!

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - A Personal Note

2011-02-08T14:23:00.008-05:00

Today's post is written by Ciara R., who is an intern here at the Dining Out for Life offices. Ciara was thoughtful enough to share her personal story with us - since the struggle to battle HIV/AIDS is for many of us...very personal!

Aware of the importance and avid about setting an example for my peers, I got tested yesterday on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Not only did I feel a sense of relief, but power as well when I received the results. Because HIV can lay dormant for years without me contracting it, there’s no telling what the results are going to be when I go in every six months. I felt powerful because I did not have to worry about knowing. Relieved because it was negative but even if it were positive, I’d have a better chance of combating the disease and living a longer more impactful life.

Thanks to my mother’s true passion for service, I have been aware of HIV/AIDS since an early age. I can remember attending conferences and meetings along with her as a little girl. One event that sticks out in my mind is an event at a local church. I remember a woman speaking about living with HIV. At the time, I knew it was a deadly disease that is transmitted through sex, but I had never seen anyone who I knew had it. I’d always imagine someone with the virus to be very frail, pale, and unable to move around on their own. To my surprise, she was full of energy, vibrant and healthy.

During her talk, she mentioned that she never went on a rampant search to find out who she contracted it from. She believed that it would be useless to get angry and a waste of her energy to search and interrogate her partners. Rather than focusing

on how it happened, she focuses her energy on what she is going to do now. She wants to keep learning about HIV, be an impact in the movement to combat it, and live a healthy lifestyle.

I tell her story to point out a few things. Young people, you cannot determine if someone is HIV positive by their look, background, personality, or sexual history. Too often, do I come in contact with people my age (22)who choose to engage in risky sexual behavior based off of assumptions they’ve made about their partner (I’ve even been guilty of it). The only true determinant is their status, but because most people don’t carry rapid HIV tests in their back pockets, the most efficient way to protect yourself is to use condoms. You can get more information on what condoms are made of, their varieties and how to properly use them here. Another important point she made was to let go of the emotional stress of not knowing how you got it. There are some cases in which it is feasible to find out and it may save other’s lives; if not, we should focus on the things that we can control. Lastly, it is probable to live healthy with HIV. From reading about the issue, I have discovered that there is a population that would rather not get tested because of the stigma associated with the virus. It is possible to live a normal lifestyle with the virus. It is better to know, so that you can get treatment and live healthy to sustain your life. Not convinced?Look at these real stories of young people living with HIV.

All in all, that one day impacted my life and view of HIV/AIDS. I thought about that woman yesterday when I got tested. I recognize that it can happen to me and I understand the importance of knowing my status. To find the nearest rapid testing location near you, go to hivtest.org

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

2011-02-07T09:48:00.003-05:00

If you identify with the expression “It takes a village to raise a child,” then you understand that it take a village to fight HIV/AIDS. This slogan for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and it reflects the strategy being used to battle the virus in the Black community. Each year stakeholders throughout the country, and even around the globe, plan events and activities to raise awareness and get individuals tested. February 7, 2011 marks the 11^th year of this powerful initiative.

Every year since the epidemic began in 1981, African-Americans in the United States have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Although African-Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, they account for 51% of HIV cases. Blacks account for more new HIV infections, AIDS cases, people estimated to be living with the HIV disease and HIV related deaths than any other racial/ethnic group. Blacks at a higher risk for HIV include those who are unaware of their sexual partner’s risk factors, those with other STDs and those who live in poverty.

A recent study done in five cities found that 46% of African American men who have sex with men were HIV positive, 67% of which did not know of their infection. Awareness and getting tested is crucial to stop the spread of the disease and to break the stigma that many Blacks have towards the disease. Several of those at risk of HIV infection in the Black community fear the negative social label of being known as deviant and therefore shy away from getting tested. In turn, they forego treatment that may preserve their health and continue to pass it to others.

From an international perspective, sub-Saharan Africa is affected more heavily than any other region of the world. An estimated 22.5 million people are living with HIV in the region which is around two thirds of the global total; the area makes up 10% of the global population. In 2009 around 1.3 million people died from AIDS in the sub- Saharan Africa. The sub-Saharan faces a triple challenge: providing healthcare, reducing the number of new HIV infections and coping with the impact of millions of AIDS deaths.

So what can you do to help the affects that HIV/AIDS has on the Black community? Educate yourself, friends and family about the disease, its impacts and ways to protect yourself. Encourage testing to prevent new infections. Speak out against stigma, homophobia, racism and other forms of discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. Donate time and money to organizations like as Dining Out for Life and others that work within African American communities.

All of the participants for dining for life are dedicated to finding the cure and spreading awareness of HIV/AIDS. To find out more information on events and activities for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day near you, visit www.blackaidsday.org/nahaad_nearyou.html

Never Too Young to Fight AIDS

2010-06-01T10:44:00.002-04:00

This past Dining Out for Life was the first for many who participated. One woman in San Francisco decided to commemorate her first Dining Out for Life experience with pictures. Here is a picture she took of one of the youngest supporters we have. She wanted to share with everyone and thank us for the work we do.

Thank you again to everyone who participated or who will be participating in this year's Dining Out for Life. This picture is too adorable to not share with all of you, and let you know we are all in good company. For a lot of children around the world, the battle with AIDS starts young; maybe the fight against AIDS should start just as young.

Dining Out for Life Wrap Up

2010-05-01T17:05:00.004-04:00

I hope everyone had a great time Dining Out for Life on Thursday! Based on all the TwEATs we received, it seems like everyone had fun supporting our cause.

For me, Thursday started with meeting up with Felipe Rose, of the Village People, who has been our social media ambassador for the last few months. Felipe and his partner, Michael, were delightful, and I had so much fun going to lunch with them and walking around the city to visit a few participating restaurants. Every restaurant was packed with people, even at lunch time!

That night, we went to a dinner at Butcher & Singer, where Ted Allen joined us, along with representatives from Action AIDS and Subaru, and Philadelphia's Mayor, Michael Nutter. Dining Out for Life started in Philadelphia twenty years ago, and it was such a privilege meeting everyone who made this organization possible. It was quite a celebration with good food, good service and good company.

Below is an article about Felipe Rose, Ted Allen and Pam Grier, our celebrity sponsors. They have been so incredible to us and I want to thank them all for believing in our cause. While I unfortunately did not get a chance to meet the divine Pam Grier, Ted Allen and Felipe Rose made the night incredibly special.
We have not yet received word on how much money has been raised altogether, however it seems that the Denver area raised an incredible amount for their non-profit, Project Angel Heart. Read more here. Thank you Denver!

In the next few days we will have more pictures from the event. Right now, I just want to thank all the amazing restaurants who participated this year and extend that thanks to the amazing staff working there. Also, a big thanks and congratulations to the non-profits across the country who were able to raise money from this event. Finally, thank you to all of you out there who Dined Out for Life! It is inspiring to know so many went out and supported an amazing cause. Keep reading the blog for more pictures and updates, and remember to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS!

Shout Outs to Dining Out for Life!

2010-04-27T23:35:00.003-04:00

Dining Out for Life is on Thursday. Let's take a look at some articles giving a shout out to the event. Remember to TwEAT out to all your friends and family about Dining Out for Life on Thursday!

Welcome to the Dining Out for Life family, Boston! It's their first year participating in the event, and we are so happy to know everyone in the Boston area has a chance to eat out and save lives. Read about it, here.

Thirty-percent of proceeds of participating restaurants in Seattle go to an organization called Lifelong AIDS Alliance. Thanks and good luck to Seattle!

Philadelphia's non-profit of choice is Action AIDS. Read about it here. Also, find out which New York restaurants will be participating on Thursday.

We have already covered Denver's amazing charity, Project Angel Heart. Here is more information for those of you in the Denver area.

Thank you to all participating restaurants and to all those who have made reservations and invited family and friends to Dine Out for Life! Together, we will make a difference! I can't wait until Thursday!

Fashion and Music to Fight AIDS

2010-04-22T18:24:00.002-04:00

The Dining Out for Life event is only a week away! I hope everyone has reservations to a participating restaurant! Remember to use Twitter and Facebook to spread the word to your family and friends!

A new initiative to identify self-labeled heterosexual men who have had sexual relationships with other men is being met with homophobic backlash in Africa. The new initiative, known as the MSM Initiative, was seen as necessary since those who may be living this "down low" lifestyle are not likely to get tested for HIV. Activists fighting to raise HIV/AIDS awareness are being arrested and harassed, and anti-gay violence is on the rise. Despite the fact that HIV/AIDS plagues heterosexuals and homosexuals alike, this extreme level of homophobia is preventing health education and discouraging those who may be living with HIV/AIDS seek the help they deserve. Please read the article and share.

Apparently, people living with HIV/AIDS are now considered weapons of mass destruction? After Daniel Allen, who is HIV positive, bit his neighbor during a fight, he has "possession or use of a harmful biological device" added to his other charges. The charge is taking advantage of the anti-terror laws written after 9/11. While this particular case is unprecedented, there have been other cases where those infected with HIV/AIDS have been charged for murder or attempted murder, and there have been many instances of legal persecution towards those living with the disease.

Finally, some good news! Fashion and music come together to fight HIV/AIDS! This summer, H&M will partner with summer music festivals such as Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza to promote their new line where a quarter of the proceeds go to youth HIV/AIDS awareness projects. This is the third year for H&M to participate, and with the money raised from previous two years, the International HIV/AIDS Awareness Education Center will be opened in Antwerp in June 2010. To H&M and all those participating with the summer music festivals, thank you for your great work! Read more about what's happening here or here.

While some of these articles may cause us to shake our heads, I hope it also reminds us all how important it is to participate in Dining Out for Life. Please share these articles with friends and family, and hopefully they will also see that this is a global battle we must all be ready to fight.

City of Big Shoulders

2010-04-21T17:35:00.003-04:00

Edge Alliance is a management firm based in Chicago that offers administrative and financial support to non-profits, allowing them to be more effective in their mission.

Edge Alliance is a revolutionary company dedicated to minimizing the effect the current economic climate currently has on non-profits. Edge Alliance has teamed up with AIDSCare Progressive Services to present Dining Out for Life: City of Big Shoulders in Chicago.

"The City of Big Shoulders marketing campaign is exuberant and playful, stressing that fighting AIDS and supporting others isn’t just a duty: it is truly a joyful experience. The figures are elevating each other, and providing each other with a spiritual boost. The “City of Big Shoulders ” slogan is taken from Carl Sandburg’s poem “ Chicago .” The slogan is an incredibly rich expression with many different meanings. On the one hand, it denotes strength. On the other, it denotes support. “Big Shoulders” describes Chicago as a brawny, powerful, dynamic working man. We expand that meaning to introduce the idea of a supportive shoulder, i.e.lending our strength to those who need it. By dining out on Thursday, April 29^th, diners are helping to fight AIDS and lending a “shoulder” to those who need it most."

Thank you to Edge Alliance, AIDSCare Progressive Services and all those participating in the City of Big Shoulders event taking place in Chicago.

Project Angel Heart and Colorado

2010-04-13T17:07:00.004-04:00

In a single day, 300+ metro Denver and Boulder area restaurants and community supporters will raise an estimated $360,000 to support Project Angel Heart’s mission of delivering nutritious meals, free of charge, to adults and children coping with disease. Participating restaurants agree to donate 25% of their food sales to Project Angel Heart on Dining Out for Life day. Diners also have the option to make an additional donation, which will enter them into a drawing for a $1,000 cash prize.

Project Angel Heart hosts the largest Dining Out for Life event internationally, with more participating restaurants and more funds raised than any other market. The agency’s success is due in part to more than 23 restaurants that have supported the event for 10+ years, including Annie’s Café, The Avenue Grill, Bang!, Racines and Vesta Dipping Grill, as well as the enormous support of diners who often make additional contributions on Dining Out for Life® day. This year, 34 new restaurants, including Brio Tuscan Grill (Cherry Creek and Lone Tree), Saigon Landing (Greenwood Village), Deluxe Burger, and The Lobby Denver, join the long list of participating locations. For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit their website.

About Project Angel Heart:
Project Angel Heart delivers nutritious meals to improve quality of life, at no cost, for those coping with life-threatening illness. The agency began serving those battling disease in Denver in 1991, delivering meals to its first 12 clients from a single pan of donated lasagna. Most clients were battling HIV/AIDS and did not have the strength to leave their homes or prepare their own food. Since then, Project Angel Heart’s service has expanded exponentially. In 2009, the agency delivered 410,223 nutritious meals to 1,842 clients in Denver and Colorado Springs with the support of more than 3,000 volunteers.

Thank you to all those in the Denver or Boulder area who have made Dining Out for Life such a success in years past, and please remember to invite others to participate this year on April 29th.

Prom Night and Healthcare

2010-04-08T21:29:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone! This will be a quick news round-up since we're busy getting ready for April 29th, but here are a few important articles I thought I should share.

Obamacare has caused dissent among the GOP, but how will it effect AIDS care? In Utah, some Republicans are trying to cut funding for the Ryan White Program which helps low income people living with HIV/AIDS afford medicine. Read about it here.

Prom Night can conjure up images of teens finally losing their virginity to each other, but one man wrote a play trying to instead show Prom as a time for teens to make smart, healthy decisions about sex. The play is called "Prom Date" and its main message is one about HIV awareness for teens. Read more here.

Click here to watch a video and read about Elizabeth Pisani, the epidemiologist best known for her work on HIV/AIDS. Her main message? "We will restore science to its rightful place." Thank you to Elizabeth Pisani for her amazing work and dedication to this cause.

Californians, Consent Forms, and a little Mercy

2010-04-06T02:59:00.003-04:00

April 29th is fast approaching, and I hope everyone has made reservations and are continuing to TwEAT out! For those in San Diego, if you're looking for additional ways to get involved with Dining Out for Life, check out this article.

In other California news, San Fransisco is endorsing a new policy for those who are infected with HIV. This controversial decision involves starting newly infected HIV patients on antiviral medicine as soon as possible, rather than waiting until immune systems start failing. Read more about it here.

Arms of Mercy, a organization in Zimbabwe, works specifically with children who have been orphaned because of AIDS. Thanks to grants awarded by the Firelight Foundation, children everywhere are receiving some support and help they otherwise would be denied.

In Michigan, there is a separate consent form needing to be sign to receive an HIV test during medical exams, however this may change shortly. Some health officials feel this creates an extra barrier and encourages and stigma around testing for HIV, and the extra consent form should be eliminated. Click for more information.

Join the Dining Out for Life Team!

2010-04-02T13:29:00.003-04:00

Do you want to donate or volunteer but are unsure of time and resources? Being a part of the Dining Out for Life team is a chance to use your business as a way to donate to amazing local AIDS organizations. It's been 18 years and we are growing strong, and we want your city or your restaurant to be a part of our team. The more cities and restaurants that join, the more money we can raise for those living with HIV/AIDS. So, for everyone out there even mildly interested, contact a local AIDS Service Organization and tell them you are interested in being part of this inspiring global movement. Or, if you want more information, visit us here.

We count on all restaurant owners in each participating city to keep this organization successful. Without you, we would have no where to eat! But thanks to the thousands of restaurants who have taken the time to sign up for this amazing cause, we have had a great 18 years and we look forward to many more. This can be a chance to do good, help out many, and put your restaurant on the map.

And to all you diners out there, we are looking forward to seeing you April 29th, so remember, TwEAT Out, Fight AIDS!

Fighting for justice, working through the economy

2010-03-30T00:01:00.006-04:00

Another day, another news roundup! From Minnesota to Morocco to India, people are working together to fight AIDS. I find it truly uplifting and inspiring to know that around the world, people are donating time, money and other resources to a common goal. I hope everyone reading these articles feel the same. Please remember to TwEAT to friends and family! Linking others to our blog posts is a great way to really share why it is so important to Dine Out for Life!

Unfortunately, in many countries, it is legal to discriminate against those with HIV/AIDS, and so we must remember that this is a human rights issue as well as a medical one. A conference will be held in Casablanca, Morocco to discuss justice for those suffering discrimination because they have a disease. Thankfully, there is reform taking place. Read about it here.

Read this wonderful article which tells the stories of a few amazing people in India who are living with HIV/AIDS but making the most of their time by volunteering and recruiting those around them to get tested and protect themselves. To the brave men and women out there who dedicate their time to work with HIV/AIDS organizations, thank you for inspiring so many.

Dining Out for Life gets a shout out in Lavender Magazine: Minnesota's GLBT magazine. Thank you Lavender, and to all those in the Twin City area, please make reservations at a restaurant for April 29th and Dine Out for Life!

The economic crisis means it is more important than ever to volunteer our time and donate money to HIV/AIDS organizations. While progress is being made, more people are living with the disease longer and receiving the medical attention they need, it is still important to be vigilant in the fight against AIDS. Read about why the head of the United Nations' agency for HIV/AIDS says this could be a "universal nightmare" here.

Amigos Sin Barreras (Friends Without Barriers) has helped hundreds of low-income, HIV-positive residents with medical care, food and social engagement in California, but they are facing economic hardships and may not be able to continue fighting for their cause. To read about their organization and find out how you can help the Los Angeles based non profit, click here.

To those in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley...

2010-03-29T22:55:00.004-04:00

ActionAIDS today released the complete list of restaurants participating in the 20th anniversary of Dining Out for Life. Nearly 200 restaurants from across the Delaware Valley, southern New Jersey and Delaware will take part on Thursday, April 29, raising much-needed money for year-round HIV/AIDS education, testing and life-sustaining support.

“Every entrée, every check makes a difference,” said ActionAIDS executive director Kevin Burns. “Philadelphia has five times as many people infected with HIV/AIDS than the national rate, yet the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is cutting money for local prevention services by $3.7 million over the next two years. Fundraising events like Dining Out for Life are vital to the health of the region – literally – because they allow us to continue our work.”

Last year, restaurants in the Philadelphia region raised $290,000 to fund care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential AIDS services.

Dining Out for Life began in Philadelphia in 1991 as a fundraiser for ActionAIDS, and has since grown to include 53 other cities in the U.S. and Canada, raising nearly $4 million annually. In Pennsylvania, DOFL encompasses Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties; Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties in southern New Jersey; and parts

of northern Delaware.

The money raised by this event is distributed to six AIDS service organizations working in those areas: ActionAIDS, which oversees the event; AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey (ACSNJ); AIDS Delaware; Family & Community Service of Delaware County; Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County; and Planned Parenthood of Chester County (PPCC).

A complete list of participating restaurants is available by calling 1-877-EAT4LIFE (1-877-328-4543) or go here.

Religion, Soccer and South Carolina

2010-03-25T13:12:00.004-04:00

I hope all those in Vancouver make Dining Out for Life a huge success tonight! I want to thank everyone in that area, the businesses and the patrons, for everything you are doing for our cause. There has been a lot of HIV/AIDS news, so I thought I would share a few articles that grabbed my interest today.

Religious leaders are meeting in the Netherlands this week to have an open forum about their influence over their communities regarding the AIDS crisis. Religious leaders have a chance to really involve their congregations with the fight against HIV/AIDS, read about it here.

Can television and soccer help fight AIDS? That's what Sony hopes for during the World Cup. Sony has donated huge TV monitors to broadcast HIV/AIDS awareness messages during the games in Ghana and Cameroon. Sony wants to make sure as many people as possible in Africa have access to information that can save their lives. Good job, Sony!

About 8% of Tanzania's population is infected with HIV, but there are steps being taken to bring that number down. A few years ago, the HIV rate among those who went to high school dropped dramatically, and so an emphasis is being placed on educating young girls about HIV/AIDS, since they are among the most at risk.

Budget cuts in South Carolina are limiting funds for HIV/AIDS funds, including the money which goes towards the AIDS Drug Assistance Program which helps low income individuals struggling to pay for their AIDS medication. This is sad news for all those in South Caroline living with HIV/AIDS, please keep them in your thoughts.

April is almost here! That means, we all need to make a reservation and "TwEAT" about Dining Out For Life so our friends and families everywhere can participate. Remember, April 29th we are trying to break a world record, so make those reservations and help fight AIDS!

Vancouver turns sweet 16!

2010-03-23T11:46:00.007-04:00

Dining Out for Life takes place in Vancouver on March 25th, so for everyone in Vancouver, make reservations at your favorite participating restaurant! Here is a list of all the restaurants you can choose from for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Over 200 restaurants from Whistler to White Rock and across the Fraser Valley will donate 25% of their food revenues that day to A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life.

And I knew Stella Artois is one of my favorite beers for a reason! For every bottle of Stella Artois sold on March 25th they will donate a dollar to Dining Out for Life. Incredible! To all those in Vancouver, eat, drink and be merry on March 25th while supporting an amazing cause!

Vancouver has been participating in Dining Out for Life for 16 years, and the support is getting stronger and the number of restaurants participating is growing. In this article, a few workers at participating restaurants talk about why they love Dining Out for Life and how the local HIV/AIDS organizations, A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life, have touched them.

A Loving Spoonful provides healthy and nutritious meals to those living with HIV/AIDS and Friends for Life offers counselling and wellness programs, among other services. Read why these two organizations depend on Dining Out for Life here.

Vancouver, thank you so much for the 16 years you have put into Dining Out for Life. We hope to see you out on the town on Thursday, March 25th. To follow the Dining Out for Life updates in Vancouver, please become a fan on facebook or follow us on twitter.

TwEAT Out, Fight AIDS

2010-03-18T10:10:00.008-04:00

Listen up! If you're planning on eating out with any friends or family members soon, then mark your calendars for April 29th, 2010. This is when Dining Out for Life wants to set the world record for "Largest Day of Dining Out!".

Here's what to do: In the weeks leading up to Dining Out For Life, participants will be asked to register here, make a reservation at a participating restaurant on April 29th, and then, and this is the important part, TwEAT about it!

TwEAT (Tw-EET) verb

-To use social media utilities such as Twitter or Facebook to advertise and spread the word about participation in a fight against HIV/AIDS which specifically uses the "twEATers" eating habits as a means of raising money.
ex: "If we want to join Jonathan on April 29th for dinner, we will have to follow his TwEATS."

You must register which participating restaurant where the reservations are made because only those registered will be counted towards the world record!

Cyber-service is an evolving trend with the growing number of people who utilize social media as a networking hub. “We are hoping to connect Dining Out For Life in a significant way with many who are responsive to cause-related action,” stated Tim Mahoney, CMO Subaru of America. “We plan to link followers of social media and fans of Dining Out For Life to encourage participation in this event off-line, in real-time, in an effort to raise even more awareness and needed funds.” Last year over 250,000 participants helped raise nearly $4 million dollars in just one day of dining. All monies raised in each city, stay in that city. With a successful viral campaign, organizers expect to exceed these numbers.

We can't wait to read the TwEATS! Follow us on twitter, here!

What is Ted Allen talking about this month?

2010-03-17T10:19:00.003-04:00

Ted Allen is the lovable food expert who was part of the fab five in Queer Eye for a Straight Guy, and is now currently hosting Chopped on the food network. He is also a Dining Out for Life spokesmodel this year, and we could not be happier to have him on board.

Ted Allen talks to The Advocate about what he is passionate about this month, and we make the top of the list! Many thanks to Ted Allen for reminding everyone how important and easy it is to participate in Dining Out for Life.

Read more about what Allen has to say about us, and find out what else he is passionate about this month, here.

Annie Lennox, Jamie Foxx, Ludacris, Hudson and Vancouver

2010-03-16T09:55:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone! I'm Chelsea and I just joined the Dining Out for Life team to help out with the next two months while we get ready for some fun, fabulous fundraisers in April. I'm still getting used to blogging for the masses, so to get me started here are some great articles I found online.

Hudson, NY celebrates their 7th year as a part of the Dining Out for Life family. Go here to find out more.

What are Jamie Foxx and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges up to? Both actor/musicians are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a open, safe forum for young African-Americans to discuss HIV/AIDS. Good work guys!

A touching article about Vancouver's work towards fighting AIDS, including their participation with Dining Out for Life. Thank you for your work, Vancouver!

The amazing Annie Lennox talks about the devestation HIV/AIDS causes globally. From all of us here at Dining Out for Life, we thank Ms. Lennox for her commitment to this issue.

ActionAIDS Celebrates 20 Years of "Dining Out for Life"

2010-03-10T09:18:00.009-05:00

April 29, 2010 is the date of the 20th annual Dining Out for Life, when participating restaurants donate one-third of their proceeds to local AIDS service organizations. The idea is simple - dine out, fight AIDS - and strikingly effective. Last year, the nearly 200 restaurants that participated in the Philadelphia event raised $290,000.

"It's amazing how far we've come in the last two decades," said ActionAIDS executive director Kevin Burns. "In our first year, with just a handful of restaurants in Philly, we raised about $20,000. Today, it is our largest fundraiser. Through the gracious support of the restaurant community, and the thousands of people who dine out that night, we are able to provide

year-round education, testing and life-sustaining support."

Participating restaurants include London Grill, Mexican Post, Rembrandts, Venture Inn, Westbury and Zocalo - all six of which been involved for the last 20 years. Iron Chef Jose Garces - who made a cameo appearance in this year's Public Service Announcement alongside "Food Network" host Ted Allen and actress Pam Grier - will also participate with five of his local restaurants taking part: Amada, Chifa, Distrito, Tinto and Village Whiskey.

Stephen Starr, whose Starr Restaurant Organization participates in DOFL each year, received last year's "Friend for Life Award," along with Subaru of America SVP/Chief Marketing Officer Tim Mahoney. Both advocates were recognized for their commitment to "nourishing charitable, community causes," said Burns. The awards were announced in a ceremony at Starr's Parc - one of his 13 Philadelphia restaurants. This year's winners will be announced on April 29.

ActionAIDS developed Dining Out for Life in 1991, selling it five years later to a newly formed non-profit, Dining Out for Life International, at a price of just $1 so the idea could grow to include other cities. Today, DOFL is held in 53 cities in North America, includes 3,500 restaurants and raises nearly $4 million annually. The monies raised are used to fund care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential AIDS services in each city. It is sponsored by Subaru of America.

A complete list of participating restaurants will be available after March 15. For more information, call 1-877-EAT4LIFE (1-877-328-4543) or go HERE

Pam Grier Luvs Miami and helps to benefit the LGBT Community!

2010-03-09T08:53:00.003-05:00

Pam Grier, of "The L Word" fame, hit up Miami to host a week-long party for Miami Beach's famous Winter Party Festival.

This celebration, which benefits the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, grew out from a one-time dance party for charity into a week-long bonanza of parties, art shows and beach fiestas.

Says Grier, "This event is much bigger than all of us. Any way to make people aware of the LGBT community is a good thing. Just like 'The L Word' changed society, events like this do too."

Check out the full article HERE.

Our Pals at Food & Friends Celebrate 14 Years and Counting!

2010-03-09T08:14:00.005-05:00

THIS THURSDAY, Dining Out for Life in Washington, DC, will celebrate its 14th year raising critical funds for the individuals battling HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses whom Food & Friends serves each day. Since 1997, the generosity and over-whelming support of the restaurant community has raised more than $2 million. Even more amazing, is that 14 years later more than 20 of the original restaurants still participate, each year, in Dining Out for Life.

Participating since 1997 are Annie’s Paramount Steak House (100%), Banana Café, Café Berlin, Café La Ruche, Café Luna & Skewers, Coppi’s Organic, Clarendon Grill, Dupont Italian Kitchen, Floriana, Grillfish, La Fourchette, La Tomate, Lauriol Plaza, Little Fountain Café, Mark’s Kitchen, Marshall’s Bar & Grille, Mr. Henry’s, Perry’s, Raku, Tabard Inn, U-topia Bar & Grill.

This extraordinary commitment from the restaurant community should come as no surprise. Food & Friends’ life-saving services were first made possible in 1988 when D.C. restaurants opened their kitchens and donated the food then delivered to those in the area dying from AIDS. Now, more than twenty years later, Food & Friends is proud and honored to continue partnering with the local restaurant community in the fight against life-challenging illnesses.

Dine Out in Washington, DC on Thursday, March 11th. Click HERE for a list of participating DC restaurants.

Going Above and Beyond for a Cause Close to Home

2010-03-02T18:27:00.004-05:00

Attention DC Diners! We have a hot tip for you:

There’s more reason to head to Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Virginia, on Thursday March 11th, than just your love of pink flamingoes and umbrella-adorned drinks. This year, Freddie’s has become the FIRST and ONLY restaurant to commit 110% of their proceeds from Dining Out for Life to Food & Friends. That’s right, one hundred and TEN percent!

In deciding this year to go above and beyond, owner Freddie Lutz explained that “Food & Friends is a cause that is close to my heart. I had an ex-lover who died of AIDS. Not only do we know all the good work that Food & Friends does, but we also like to give back to the community.”

In what are still rough economic times for most restaurants in the area, Freddie’s extraordinary commitment to the Washington community and to the thousands of individuals battling HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses that Food & Friends serves each year, offers a reminder that we can all dig a little deeper, make that extra effort and, on THURSDAY, MARCH 11TH, WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE SIMPLY BY DINING OUT!

Visit www.foodandfriends.org/dol for a complete list of Food & Friends’ 147 participating restaurants.

March 10th Is National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

2010-03-02T17:35:00.004-05:00

March 10th is the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Communities and organizations across the U.S. will sponsor programs on/around this date to call attention to the ever-rising numbers of women diagnosed with HIV and seek solutions to reduce the spread of the virus.

HIV/AIDS deeply impacts women globally and nationally. Worldwide it is the leading cause of death and disease in women aged 15-44. Most women are infected with HIV through heterosexual contact and injection drug use. Women of color are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. AIDS is now the leading cause of death for Black women ages 25 to 34.

Behind the scenes of the 2010 DOFL PSA with Pam Grier and Ted Allen!

2010-03-01T07:18:00.005-05:00

Below, check out what Ted Allen has to say about the Philadelphia restaurant scene:

Oh Canada!

2010-02-26T08:30:00.005-05:00

Dining Out For Life ain't just a US event. Canada joins in the party too! If you're Canadian, or going to be in Canada during their DOFL events, then be sure to enjoy a delicious local meal at a participating restaurant. Check out Vancouver, Okanagan Region, & Vancouver Island to find your perfect restaurant!

If you're interested in getting involved with Dining Out For Life, there are easy ways to spread the word. Become a volunteer for your local event. Join us on Facebook. If you own a restaurant, sign up to participate. Get your friends & family together and go out for a delicious meal on event day. It's all wonderful & all helpful! See you there!

Join us on Facebook!

2010-02-26T08:15:00.002-05:00

Hello Dining Out For Life Friends and Family!

As we get closer and closer to April 29th, many of you have asked how you can help promote and publicize Dining Out For Life. One simple way is to suggest DO4L to your friends on Facebook! It's effective. It’s easy. Here is how to do it:

• Go to the Dining Out For Life Page www.facebook.com/DineOut4Life

• On the column at the left side you will see the following:

• Suggest To My Friends <<< --- click on that.

• You then can click on your friends (sadly it has to be done one-by-one, so it can take a few minutes)... You can also opt to right a personal message, endorsing Dining Out For Life and our mission to battle HIV/AIDS, or and then send them all a mass message.

Your friends will then opt to join our fan page! This is immensely important, as their friends will see it, and so-on, and so-on, and so-on…It will increase our reach and all our fans!

With your help, we can make this year's event even more successful then last year!

For those of you living in the Washington DC area - remember, YOUR Dining Out For Life event is Thursday, March 11! And Canadians in Okanagan Region, you will be Dining OUt on March 25th!

And if you use Twitter, don't forget to follow us @DineOut4Life!

Thank you so much for your support - and with all of us working together, we can make a huge difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS!

The NEW Dining Out For Life PSA!!

2010-02-25T08:01:00.003-05:00

Ted Allen, Pam Grier and Jose Garces are lookin' good while doin' good!

CHECK IT OUT:

And don't forget! Dining Out For Life begins in Washington DC on March 11th, followed shortly by Okanagan Region in Canada on March 25th! Make your reservations, eat a delicious meal, help save lives and have a great time!

Meet DC's Restaurant Ambassadors.

2010-02-24T09:02:00.007-05:00

Restaurant Ambassadors are an important part of Dining Out For Life. They're your local friends and business owners, people you've seen around town or have heard of. They're the face of your local DOFL dining experience. And their number one job is helping you feel welcomed wherever you're dining, helping you have the best possible DOFL meal. They also help to work up donations to DOFL.

Washington DC starts off our 2010 Dining Out For Life year, with their event happening on Thursday, March 11th. DOFL is hosted by DC's local organization Food & Friends. Over 100 people are signed on to be Washington DC's Restaurant Ambassadors, the Top Restaurant Ambassadors being Laura Olle, Pete Deoudes, Stephanie Cooper, Rebecca Harrington and Andrea Sedlock.

You can find these particular folks at Black's Bar & Kitchen, Bangkok Garden and Spezie. And rest assured that wherever you dine on March 11th, you'll see a friendly Restaurant Ambassador welcoming you to Dining Out For Life 2010!

Black's Bar & Kitchen

Spezie Ristorante

*Photo by Scott Suchman.

Bangkok Garden

Inspiration from real people

2010-02-23T08:32:00.004-05:00

I came across this article and video this morning and in reading and wathcing it, just kept tearing up. It's about 3 regular people who contracted HIV/AIDS in very different ways: being born with it, contracting it through unprotected sex, another through drug use. And all of them come to the same realization: despite having this disease, they can still have full and productive lives. As one of the interviewees, Merle Soden (pictured), says, "The moment you get the diagnosis, that's the deciding factor. That's the point when you say, I'm going to live, or I'm going to die."

Reading about people who overcome serious odds, like living with HIV/AIDS or those that loose so much or are born with so little, always helps to remind me that I should be able to do anything because I myself was born into comfort and fully healthy and remain so today. It's a good reminder that even when things become so seemingly terrible and insurmountable, the odds are that we each have some untapped strength to push on through and make our lives beautiful and worthwhile.

Take a moment and read the full articled HERE.

And don't forget that Dining Out For Life 2010 is happening this Spring, with Washington DC kicking the season off on March 11th. Find your local DOFL chapter and make your reservations at your favorite participating restaurants. It's easy and fun and makes a difference!

Gearing up for DOFL 2010

2010-02-22T08:50:00.002-05:00

I dunno about you but we're stoked about Dining Out For Life, 2010. I'm pretty sure this will be the most successful year to date. We've got TONS of restaurants lined up in tons of cities across North America and I'm sure plenty of you folks out there are looking for a good way to celebrate the end of this extra-snowy Winter!

Time to get your DOFL on!

First up on our DOFL schedule is Washington DC, holding their event on March 11th. The local organization, Food & Friends, is hosting DOFL in our nation's fair capitol. Check out their RESTAURANT LIST and make your reservations! Looks like some great eats are being offered up. Get your pals together and shake off those pesky Winter blues with a great meal! And as a special incentive, a portion of your purchases goes towards HIV/AIDS research. Most restaurants are donating 25% (which is so generous!) and others are going above and beyond, raising their donation percentage to 35%, 50%, or in a few cases, 100-110%!!! WOW WOW WOW!

Then, on March 25th, we have Canada's Okanagan Region joining the fun! Their event is hosted by theLiving Positive Resource Center, who deliver support services to persons living with HIV/AIDS. Nice! You can check out their list of participating restaurants here. Again, most are doing the generous donation of 25%, but some of them are also doing 50%-75%! WOW! And as always, every bit helps, even if any restaurant in any location was doing 10%, it'd make a difference. And that's what DOFL is all about! Making a difference in a fun and easy (and delicious!) way! Get your friends together, get your families together and celebrate the beginning of Spring! Celebrate life and making positive changes! It was never so easy or so tasty. :)

SUBARU fights HIV/AIDS alongside DOFL!

2010-02-18T11:12:00.006-05:00

Subaru ain't just cars, kiddos. It's a company that gives back and believes in fighting HIV/AIDS alongside Dining Out For Life. We'd like to share a snippet of a recent article about Subaru's battle against HIV/AIDS and encourage you all to support this socially conscious company (perhaps next time you need new wheels?). This article is in regards to the upcoming 2010 DOFL events going on in over 55 cities across North America:

"Support for this event has grown to over 250,000 diners, thanks in large part to the efforts of Dining Out For Life Spokesperson Ted Allen, host of Food Network's primetime competition series Chopped. Allen will be joined by Pam Grier, actress, advocate and author of a soon-to-be released memoir Foxy--My Life In Three Acts. Both will appear with Food Network's newest Iron Chef, Jose Garces in a Public Service Announcement produced by Shooters, Inc. Additionally, singer Felipe Rose best known as the Native American Indian of The World Famous Village People, has volunteered to join the cause as Social Ambassador rallying supporters to Dine Out via social media on April 29th."

And as always, folks, be sure to check out your own local Dining Out For Life: I'M HUNGRY!

Events are starting soon!

Showing their true colors: Lady Gaga & Cyndi Lauper join the fight against AIDS

2010-02-16T11:06:00.003-05:00

What a dream-team duo come true! Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga have teamed up with MAC Cosmetics to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS. To quote the young and ferociously talented Lady Gaga: (via www.usatoday.com)

"I have a tremendous relationship with the gay community. When people find out I'm doing this, they say, 'Is it because of your relationship with the gay community, because you want to speak out about AIDS?' And I say no," Gaga explains. "AIDS is not a gay disease. That's part of what I want to accomplish ... really raise awareness of what AIDS is today." (click on the photo to see the full story).

We here at DOFL couldn't agree more with Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper. It's true that the homosexual community was the first that was vastly struck by HIV/AIDS but it is truly a disease that can afflict anyone, no matter orientation, and infection numbers reflect that grim reality. But there are ways to reduce your risk such as practicing safe sex, being educated about how and why this disease spreads, and sharing information with your friends, family and community. There are many ways to raise awareness and support HIV/AIDS research. One of them is our efforts here at DOFL. If you're someone who loves to eat delicious food and help others, DOFL is an easy (and yummy!) way to be supportive and active in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Be sure to check your local DOFL chapter to find out when your city is hosting it's Dining Out For Life night!

Luv ya! Be careful and be happy!

The total adorable-ness of our Celebrity Spokepeeps, Pam Grier and Ted Allen!

2010-02-12T11:19:00.010-05:00

Awwww! Being great and helping to save lives! Their big hearts make them extra adorable!

OMG. Seriously, don't your hearts just melt at the cuteness of Pam Grier and Ted Allen? We're even more mushy about them because they were doing a new PSA for Dining Out For Life, with the ever awesome Iron Chef Jose Garces, who is also too cute with his winsome smile! Thank you a million times to Pam Grier, Ted Allen and Jose Garces for doing this! Also big thank you to Hunter Willis Studios (click the link to see all the photos from DOFL and other work) for photographing things so we can look back over and over again at this wonderful time! Buckets 'o' love!!

If it's wrong to want to kiss Jose Garces on the cheeks, then I don't want to be right!

It's like they're playfully arguing as to who is cuter: You're cuter! No, no! You are!

Apparently they resolved that both were just as equally "too cute". DOFL never looked better!

Newest Social Ambassador: Felipe Rose!

2010-02-12T10:52:00.003-05:00

Singer and performer, Felipe Rose (founder and performer of the disco group the Village People) has joined the fight against HIV/AIDS by joining us at Dining Out For Life!

Rose, who might be best known as the Native American performer of the Village People, has been continually producing music, performing, and is involved in several groups that support Native Americans and the fight against HIV/AIDS. His 2000 song "Trail of Tears" was nominated for 3 NAMMY awards (Native American Music Awards). His traditional Native American attire is worn in honor of his Lakota Sioux father.

We're very happy to welcome Felipe Rose to our DOFL ranks!

A. Cornelius Baker for PACHA!

2010-02-04T11:18:00.003-05:00

Earlier this month, A. Cornelius Baker was appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). For the past two decades, Baker has worked in local and federal governments, creating community-based advocacy in response to the HIV epidemic. This appointment is just in time for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (FEB 7th! Get tested!).

Check out all the details here.

HOT NEWS: HIV/AIDS puzzle cracked!

2010-02-01T12:08:00.004-05:00

Seeing the twitterverse and interwebs LIGHTING UP about this article from the Washington Post regarding scientists cracking a key puzzle about the AIDS virus after 20 years of research! YAY!! Get the full article and the hot deets here.

Upcoming live-tweeting PSA with Ted Allen & Pam Grier

2010-02-01T11:12:00.007-05:00

Hey folks! This Friday DOFL celebrity co-spokesies Pam Grier and Ted Allen are going to be filming a very special PSA for Dining Out For Life 2010. AND we'll be live-tweeting during filming, so all you lovely interweb pals of ours can tweet in with questions for them, suggestions, stories, or even just nice thoughts and comments. BOO-YAH! (Follow us on Twitter: DineOut4Life).

Ted Allen, who taught a great many of us all how to cook (thanks to you my BF no longer eats what we sardonically refer to as "bachelor food"), can be seen in his show "Chopped" on the Food Network. And March 8th he'll be judging a culinary competition fundraising event, SAVOR, for HIV/AIDS. If you're in town, try to check it out!

And of course, if you're going to fight a mega-monster disease like HIV/AIDS, who wouldn't want Pam Grier on their team? The original butt-kickin' super lady, started out in 1970's exploitation flicks. In 1997, a whole new generation of peeps fell in love with her in Tarantino's "Jackie Brown". Most recently seen in Smallville, she's also got a movie coming up with Queen Latifah, called "Just Wright".

Dining Out For Life would like to take a moment and tell both Pam Grier and Ted Allen THANK YOU for your continued support in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We think you're both tops and can't wait to unveil this lil' video piece we'll be producing together. Here's to a bangin' 2010 DOFL!

Safety is SEXY!

2010-01-29T11:14:00.005-05:00

As I see signs on Spring popping up against this gray Winter, I'm thinking about the joy of taking a nice drive on a nice day, with my partner and my dog. Maybe to a beautiful park or something for a nice little picnic, smooching under a canopy of sun-dapple trees (am I painting you a nice little fantasy or what?). And honestly, arriving in style and safety is always super great. Nothing spoils a little nature make-out like a car accident, right? Well, our DOFL sponsors, Subaru, just got 27 top safety awards! Woot! So, next time you want to take a drive with your special someone (Valentine's Day is coming up!), think about how driving safe makes all the sexy even sexier! And check out your local city to see what restaurants are participating in your Dining Out For Life. Make it a date!

Washington DC's fight against it's high HIV/AIDS infection

2010-01-27T08:52:00.003-05:00

Some folks think that HIV/AIDS is a disease that affects the African continent and doesn't really touch them in their comfy American town. But the truth is our capital, Washington DC, has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the USA. This is sobering and should remind us all, no matter sexual orientation or lifestyle or whether we live in cities, the suburbs or in rural towns, that we're all vulnerable and should be ever vigilant on protecting ourselves and our loved ones. Prevention and early treatment are your best bets to living well and that comes from education and lots of research. And from getting yourself tested, regularly.
So now a new partnership between NIH and the District is being forged to "apply research initiatives as a way to reduce the number of new HIV infections, improve the health of residents living with HIV/AIDS, and strengthen the city’s ability to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic."
They've laid out a four-point agenda, of which you can read about here.

And remember, Dining Out For Life is a 55+ city-wide HIV/AIDS research fundraising event. Find out if your city participates! Then, take that loved one of yours or get a bunch of friends together and enjoy a great meal, made all the more delicious because you know you're doing your part to help! Mmmmm....Fighting the good fight never tasted so good!

Our Sponsor, SUBARU, cares about climate change too!

2010-01-25T11:03:00.003-05:00

Check out this sa-weet NY Times review of Subaru's climate change friendly cars.

And here's a sexy slideshow of a car for anyone on the go: SHOW ME!

Thank you, Subaru, for all your support! <3 DO4L

From San Fran to Uganda, folks are fighting the good fight!

2010-01-25T09:47:00.005-05:00

Hey Folks! As a Philly cyclist, this warms the cockles of my heart: San Fran Supervisor Bevan Duffy is honoring an organization of HIV-positive bicyclists. San Fran does an annual weeklong AIDS/LifeCycle fundraiser, a seven-day ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. In the dead of this rainy dreary Philly January, one can only think that this would be a gorgeous ride, made extra special by raising awareness for AIDS and HIV prevention.

And on the international stage, Uganda is hosting a huge East African Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR) that will conduct trials for HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria.
From the article:
“The aim of the consortium is to bring together different institutions that have different strengths in clinical trials for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. We hope that we can increase human capacity and infrastructure through collaboration and networking. It will also raise the quality of clinical research and practice in sub-Saharan Africa,” Dr. Kaleebu said at the launch of the network on Thursday. -- Go get 'em, Dr. Kaleebu!

The Good & Bad News...

2010-01-20T12:09:00.007-05:00

Their is a mixed bag of sobering stories and uplifting messages in today's news wrap-up...

Paula Silvestrone served as AIDS Rochester's head for 20 year

80 infected with AIDS in blood transfusions

Middletown's TOUCH food program provides proper nutrition for people with HIV/AIDS

Lessons learned for health system strengthening in Mozambique

Online Video Hoax Revealed!

2010-01-18T12:07:00.003-05:00

A woman in Detroit was arrested after posting a video online that claimed she has infected more than 500 people in the area with .

You can see the video, HERE.

The woman has been identified as 23 year-old Jackie Braxton. After her arrest, she voluntarily took an HIV / AIDS test, which came back negative. She has since been released from custody.

In the video, Braxton appeared disguised with a bandanna covering her mouth and nose. She said that she was infected with the disease in 1998 and had been upset about having to “suffer”. She also said that she was going to spread the disease in an attempt to “destroy the world”.

“We don’t see anything at this point under state law that would allow us to press charges, but we are researching,” said John Roach, spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department.

Braxton told the Detroit News that she did not have AIDS or HIV and that the video was meant to help. “I made the tape because I wanted to raise awareness about AIDS,” she told the paper.

The video, which was released on Friday, cearly caused concern in Detroit. The number of walk-in HIV tests in Detroit more than doubled that day.

For more info - GO HERE, a local Detroit article.

International HIV/AIDS News

2010-01-11T09:26:00.002-05:00

We've got a weekend round-up of international HIV/AIDS news that include radio shows in China, international travel restrictions, Medicare coverage, and problems in the Capitol. It's a mixed bag of good'n bad - but we offer it to you for your information!

China to launch AIDS radio programme: state media

U.S. rules altered for foreigners with HIV

Medicare now covers some HIV testing

AIDS epidemic in Washington, DC

Ted Allen, Michelle Obama and The Iron Chef! ENCORE!

2010-01-06T22:04:00.005-05:00

Food Network is teaming up with two local TV stations, WPIX-TV in New York and WTXX-TV in Hartford, Conn., to bring Cablevision subscribers the chance to view two encore presentation of the popular network's blockbuster program. This also gives you another chance to catch Dining Out For Life's Celebrity Spokesperson, Ted Allen as he does color commentary from the floor!

Viewers in the New York Tri-State area will be able to see the unprecedented culinary competition Super Chef Battle: An Iron Chef America Event in a special, one-time airing on Sunday, January 10th from 8-10pm ET on WPIX-TV (New York's Channel 11) and on WTXX-TV (Hartford's Channel 20). The special episode, which premiered on Food Network on January 3rd, stars Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse and White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford.

In Super Chef Battle, Iron Chef America, the Chairman sends three Food Network chefs to Washington, D.C. for a special battle and introduces Chef Cristeta Comerford, who will also take part in the competition. In DC, First Lady Michelle Obama explains to the chefs will be allowed to use anything found in The White House Kitchen Garden to help them create their meals. After receiving their challenge, the chefs are split into two teams: Flay and Comerford versus Batali and Lagasse. Each team must produce five dishes showcasing the ingredients they selected from the garden and that represent the ultimate American meal. Judges include: chef and best-selling author Nigella Lawson; Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin; and actress/author Jane Seymour. AND our very own Ted Allen (Chopped) assists as a guest floor reporter.

Some info on the the White House Kitchen Garden...It was installed in the spring of 2009, and measures approximately 1100 square feet and is located on the west side of the South Lawn. The four-season herb, fruit and vegetable garden features 75 varieties of seeds planted in slightly raised beds using succession planting methods. Cultivated by White House staff and volunteers, produce from the garden and honey from the adjacent beehives are available to the White House Chefs for preparing meals for the First Family and for official functions, and all extra food is donated to Miriam's Kitchen, a soup kitchen near the White House.

HIV/AIDS: International Review

2010-01-04T09:49:00.002-05:00

Welcome to 2010!

This is our first post of a brand New Year - heck, a brand new decade!

While we are getting the Dining Out For Life International offices ready for a whole new decade, we thought we'd catch you up on the HIV/AIDS battle on the international front. Here are a few stories from all over the globe - letting us know that our fight is nowhere near done!

HIV/AIDS Situation in Bangladesh: Alarming

People W/ HIV/AIDS Let Into the US After 22-Year Ban

HIV/AIDS CURE: Rape A Virgin ?

GHANA AND HIV/AIDS

Extremely Drug Resistant Form of Tuberculosis Raises Concerns For HIV And AIDS Patients

2009-12-30T13:32:00.003-05:00

From the AIDSBeacon.com:

Nearly two years ago, Oswaldo Juarez woke up one night coughing up blood. The 19 year old student had been sick with flu like symptoms for days; after coughing blood, doctors were concerned that Juarez was ill with the contagious and drug resistant tuberculosis (XXDR TB).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50 percent of all AIDS patients die from tuberculosis (TB) complications, which is why the story of Peruvian immigrant Juarez is important.

Tuberculosis can be found in various forms: regular (or drug susceptible TB), multidrug resistant TB (MDR TB), extensively drug resistant TB (XDR TB), and extremely drug resistant TB (XXDR TB). For HIV and AIDS patients, any drug resistant form of TB can pose potential problems, as HIV patients have weakened immune systems and are more at risk for contracting the disease.

XXDR TB is so rare that only a few people are thought to have had it in the world, and experts claim that Juarez was the first person to ever have this strain in the US.

MDR TB is resistant to two of the best known treatment drugs, Niazid (isoniazid) and Rifadin (rifampin), which are “first line” treatments. When a person has this strain, they are treated with “second line” antibiotic drugs. Although the prevalence of this type of TB has been decreasing in the United States, nearly every state has reported a case of MDR TB in the past.

Between 1993 and 2004, the CDC reported that 74 cases of XDR TB had occurred in the United States. XDR TB is not only resistant to first line treatments, but also to second line treatments. This makes it incredibly difficult to treat patients with this strain of TB.

TB is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis that spreads most commonly by airborne transmission. It can affect any part of the body, but is generally known to affect the lungs. Symptoms include severe cough, chest pains, and the coughing of blood. In addition, these symptoms may be accompanied by fatigue, chills, weight loss, weakness, fever, and night sweats (see related Beacon News).

People can be infected with active or inactive TB. If a person has active TB, it means that his or her immune system was unable to successfully combat the bacteria. Thus, he or she will develop the symptoms of TB, and can also transmit the disease to other people through coughing, sneezing, or spitting.

People with inactive tuberculosis, or latent TB, have successfully fought off the disease. This means that they do not develop symptoms of TB, and cannot transmit it to others. However, the bacteria are still present in their bodies, and can become active if their immune systems become weakened later in life. For example, this can occur if an individual contracts HIV.

In response to the developing threat of TB, the CDC has created an action plan to deal with potential problems related to the disease.

With regards to HIV and AIDS patients, the CDC hopes to improve laboratory confirmation of all forms of TB in HIV/AIDS patients through advanced testing methods and lab procedures.

The CDC also wishes to address the problem of correctly diagnosing XDR TB by educating healthcare professionals, and by recommending HIV testing during patient evaluation for TB.

Finally, the CDC plans to increase research exploring interactions between drugs used to treat TB and drugs used amongst high risk populations, such as antiretroviral drugs used by HIV patients. The efficacy of TB drugs in such high risk groups will also be researched.

For the original story...go HERE! And thanks to the AIDS Beacon for this information!

International News in HIV/AIDS

2009-12-28T09:54:00.006-05:00

Over the holiday, we spent a lot of time bouncing around the 'net reading up on international HIV/AIDS issues. So for your educational and informational enjoyment, we've pulled a few unique articles from various sources. Let us know what you think...

Devastating Effects of HIV/ AIDS on Children of Zimbabwe and Bringing Hope to Them

HIV/AIDS Outbreak Adds to Growinng List of Problems In Afghanistan

How Is Obama Administration Doing On HIV/AIDS?

Kids with HIV to rock at Kankaria Carnival

What Are Your New Year's Eve Plans ?

2009-12-22T21:20:00.007-05:00

New Year's Eve! What to do, what to do...?

Where to go? Party? Restaurant? Bar? Hide under the bed and pray for a better 2010?

How much is it going to cost? Who will we go with? What time?

It's all too much to think about!

So, for all of our readers - we've got some handy-dandy links for you to find out what YOU COULD be doing in your home town! It's not a definitive list by any means - but it might give you a few ideas...or not...

Sorry, this list isn't complete, but we just don't have enough time in the day.

HIV/AIDS: The Fight Continues, In Spite of the Deafening Silence

2009-12-21T10:49:00.003-05:00

Below is an excerpt from an e-mail sent to friends and fans of actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and her husband State Senator Vincent Hughes (PA). We thought we'd share some if it with you - very moving!

On HIV/AIDS, the silence is deafening. On a disease that kills millions on every continent in the world, the quiet hush breaks our eardrums, and works to end our resolve.

There have been some positive developments - communities are moving toward rapid testing of HIV/AIDS where you can know your status in 20 minutes, as opposed to having to wait a week. Women are battling to take control of their lives and their sexual health. Churches and places of worship are getting the word that a sensible health ministry is in good keeping with the basic tenants of their faith.

But in too many cases, there remains a deafening silence - and consequently the appropriate public policy remains longing for a response that is consistent with the scourge of this disease.

Television and radio have stopped discussing the issue. The Fox affiliate in Los Angeles refused to run a public service announcement about HIV. We got a response from a television show producer who said that HIV/AIDS is "just not sexy anymore." We wondered whether HIV/AIDS is not sexy - or worthy of discussion, or are the people who are now getting HIV/AIDS, black and brown women and children, "not sexy anymore?"

Even in the USA, although President Obama has begun to make real change on HIV/AIDS, the message, and the policy, has not caught up with the spread of the disease. In fact the age old fear of addressing any disease that implies that people are having sex, has led to a fairly recent study by the Centers for Disease Control that indicates that one in four young women of all races and colors is already infected with some sort of sexually transmitted infection (STI).

As cities and states face difficult funding decisions due to the recession, and tight budgets get slashed, HIV education, prevention, and treatment programs become vulnerable. While we fight to protect their funding, the focus must shift to Washington for the help to deal with this epidemic. But the national response has not met the medical demand for action. Except for President Obama's historic march toward the reinvention of the American health care system, the action in Washington, does not meet the health care demand.

We must teach that HIV/AIDS is not only devastating in its own right, but that it is also a predictor of other health care and social problems that may exist in an infected community. When we fight and win on HIV, we get a chance to win on so many other issues that are legacy predators on communities whose defenses are weak.

For some it may not be sexy to talk about HIV/AIDS, but it is absolutely necessary to talk about HIV/AIDS, at all times, and more importantly, to do something big about HIV/AIDS, immediately. On a personal level, if you are going to have sex, PRACTICE IT SAFELY, GET TESTED, and KNOW YOUR STATUS. On a family and community level, GET INFORMED AND TALK TO ONE ANOTHER from a factual basis. On a policy level, let's get a strong health care bill passed that covers the uninsured and provides high quality preventive health services to people at a cost they can afford.

Let's make it sexy to not just talk about HIV, and to not just fight the spread of HIV, but to WIN THE VICTORY over a disease that is 100% preventable. Join us and get engaged as we fight for the humanity that we know still exists in all of us. Join us as we work to end the unnecessary spread of HIV/AIDS.

GQ's Top 10 Restaurants In America

2009-12-16T15:00:00.004-05:00

GQ magazine's r restaurant critic Alan Richman has put forth his contenders together a list of the ten best restaurants of the year.

The list includes Marea and Aldea in New York, Craigie on Main in Cambridge, the Bazaar in L.A., Bibou in Philly, 54 Mint in San Francisco and the Bristol in Chicago, plus picks in Portland, Seattle and Atlanta.

Go HERE to see if any of these are favorite places in your hometown !

And are any of these part of the DO4L family yet?

More Good CARma!

2009-12-15T19:20:00.006-05:00

We got some great news about our international sponsor : Subaru America!

The Subaru Outback has been named MOTOR TREND's 2010 Sport/Utility of the Year®!

  The Subaru Outback's victory follows the Subaru Forester's win for the 2009 award, making Subaru the first automaker to win two consecutive MOTOR TREND Sport/Utility of the Year® awards.

  MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie, said "The 2010 Subaru Outback offers a unique combination of comfort, efficiency, versatility and value. It boasts car-like refinement, drivability and gas mileage on the road, yet is as capable in the rough stuff as all but the most off-road focused sport utilities. Thoughtfully engineered, cleverly detailed and competitively priced, the Subaru Outback is a terrific all-rounder with broad appeal."

Learn more about the 2010 Outback reading the Motor Trend article here.

And remember, all our friends in the Dining Out For Life Community can take advantage of a special offer from Subura! Remember this deal...HERE!

Hello Boston!

2009-12-14T09:16:00.004-05:00

Did you know that Boston is finally getting Dining Out For Life in Boston?

This spring, Cambridge Cares About AIDS (CCA) is bringing Dining Out For Life to Greater Boston. On April 29, 2010, CCA will be inviting our friends and supporters to dine at over thirty participating Boston restaurants. For one special night, these Boston area restaurants will kindly donate a portion of their proceeds to help CCA continue our cutting edge, community based programming into the future.

Here are some links for the new Boston event:

Facebook Boston Fan page: http://www.facebook.co...

Facebook D04L International page: http://www.facebook.com/DineOut4Life

YELP Event: http://www.yelp.com/ev...

CCAA: http://www.ccaa.org/Di...

Dining Out For Life Boston is currently looking for people to host at restaurants, Please contact Shan Casey at CCAA to volunteer or perhaps you can suggest a restaurant!

White House Takes Advice From Youth Leaders On HIV/AIDS

2009-12-10T13:14:00.002-05:00

On Friday, December 4th, the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) held a Youth and HIV/AIDS Meeting at the White House campus.

Over 35 young people flew to Washington, DC to participate in a unique meeting on youth and HIV/AIDS. The meeting attendees were young people from all over the USA and from diverse sexual orientation/gender identities. HIV positive youth were also well represented in the group.

The meeting’s purpose was to gather input on the development of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) , which has three primary goals:

reducing HIV incidence,
increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes
reducing HIV-related health disparities

The young people shared their wide range of ideas and experiences.

The meeting began with remarks by Heather Higginbottom, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, and Jeffrey Crowley, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy. Heather and Jeff spoke about the Administration’s enthusiasm for youth engagement and the importance of the NHAS.

Meeting participants then participated in several presentations by issue experts and youth leaders that provided context on youth and HIV in America.

Participants then broke out into three small discussion groups focusing on the primary goals of the NHAS: prevention, communication, and youth engagement; challenges and barriers to care, treatment, and adherence that are particular to youth; and population-specific challenges that contribute to disparities in delivery of care. These discussions lasted for 80 minutes, at the end of which each group came back with three to five top-line goals to achieve or problems to solve in their topic area.

Kalpen Modi from the White House Office of Public Engagement closed the meeting with remarks about President Obama’s commitment to youth and youth-related issues.

The Youth and HIV/AIDS meeting went extremely well, as attendees heard many great suggestions throughout the three hours. For example, it was suggested that there should be a national youth campaign promoting HIV testing. Meeting participants also mentioned the importance of developing and enhancing youth-friendly care.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

2009-12-07T14:59:00.004-05:00

Last week for World AIDS Day, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph sent out a plea for everyone to get tested , if you missed it- catch it here!

Good CARma is spreading!

2009-12-03T12:58:00.004-05:00

Here's a story we thought worth sharing:

Last week, Dining Out For Life International received a phone call from a DOFLI supporter in the MidWest who had just received our first newsletter. (To receive, see the handy-dandy icon on the right of our blogspot)

This gal, who's name was Maureen, called because she couldn't believe Subaru was offering people who had participated in DOFL their VIP pricing on a new vehicle. (Their offer we dubbed, Good CARma!) Especially, not in today's tough economic climate - a climate that ain't real pleasant for some of our auto-makers.

She communicated that she had planned to purchase a car by year's end and prior to receiving the newsletter, hadn't "for whatever reason" considered buying a Subaru before. Upon getting her DOFL newsletter, Maureen went on-line to see the array of Subaru model cars - and immediately called in for her VIP Program, claiming she had "shifted her car buying decision to a new Subaru!"

We thought we'd share this story - mostly cause it makes us feel like WE here at DO4L HQ are doing our job. We are supposed to be spreading the word about the cause, the restaurants, the people, the sponsors, and those who participate.

Now, we want YOUR stories! About anything related to D04L! We want to hear from you!

Go HERE to see the Subaru Good CARma Offer!

World AIDS Day 2009

2009-12-01T08:55:00.006-05:00

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since 1981, with an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide currently living with HIV. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claims millions of lives each year, thousands of which are children. All these sad facts make AIDS one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.

First conceived in 1987 by the World Health Organization (WHO), World AIDS Day (WAD) is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Many organizations. Governments, and people use WAD to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day, pay tribute to those living with the disease, and to create an official forum to discuss AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day, with many other governments following suit.

Dining Out For Life was created to help battle this pandemic, so WAD is a day that holds a special place in all of our hearts. Even after so many years, the battle to stop HIV/AIDS is nowhere near finished. Here are the facts:

• Every 9.5 minutes, someone is infected with HIV/AIDS in the U.S.

• Every 15 minutes, someone dies from HIV/AIDS complications in the U.S.

• HIV/AIDS is now the No. 1 cause of death among women between the ages of 18 and 44, according to the World Health Organization

With your support, Dining Out For Life can continue to be an enormously successful international fundraiser. We are just a small part in the battle against this horrifying disease. Please use today to reflect, remember and most certainly respond! Do not sit on the sidelines, join the fight!

For more information on World AIDS Day: HERE & HERE

California Dreaming!

2009-11-30T09:21:00.005-05:00

Don't forget that tomorrow is World AIDS Day. Be sure to find out what special events your community is having to memorialize those members of our international family that have fallen to HIV/AIDS.

Now if you live on the West Coast, you have a really special week ahead of you!

Sonoma County is having it's Dining Out For Life on Thursday, a few days after World AIDS Day. Sonoma's fantastic night is a benefit for Food For Thought, the Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank.

Food for Thought provides free weekly groceries to adults, kids and families living with HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County. These are YOUR neighbors, folks.

Now most restaurants are donating 25 percent, but a few have offered 50 percent this year! Those generous establishments donating 50 percent include Sebastopol’s K & L Bistro, Jimtown Store in Healdsburg, Windsor’s Restaurant Mirepoix and Dawn Ranch Lodge Roadhouse Restaurant in Guerneville.

Check out this great article on Bohemian.com, HERE!

For more information , visit www.fftfoodbank.org.

Dining Out For Life: Sonoma County

2009-11-27T13:03:00.007-05:00

While typically, most of our Dining Out for Life events are held on the same day - some communities do them on different dates.

As the official international social media nexus for all the many events and organizations, we will keep you updated on all the happenings! Next week on Thursday, a few days after World AIDS Day, our friends in Sonoma County will host their 8th Annual Dining Out For Life event, a benefit for Food For Thought, Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank.

Last year’s event raised $80,000 for the organization.There is a list of all participating restaurants at diningoutforlife.com/sonomacounty. Most restaurants are donating 25 percent, but a few have offered 50 percent this year! Those generous establishments donating 50 percent include Sebastopol’s K & L Bistro, Jimtown Store in Healdsburg, Windsor’s Restaurant Mirepoix and Dawn Ranch Lodge Roadhouse Restaurant in Guerneville.

For more information , visit www.fftfoodbank.org.

Read two great articles about our Sonoma County event HERE and HERE!

Dining Out For Life In Chicago!

2009-11-23T11:35:00.010-05:00

We have been asking for our friends and family from across the globe to send us in pictures, stories, and video from the many Dining Out For Life events held every year coast to coast. So if you have something, send them to us at dofl@chatterblast.com We want to hear from you!

Finally, we have gotten something from some volunteers in Chicago! The Windy City holds a tremdous event with over 50 restaurants participating! Here is a great video from Dining Out For Life - Chicago!

The Law of Good CARma!

2009-11-19T12:08:00.009-05:00

We want to say thanks for joining our online" Dining Out For Life International, family. Let us reward you with good CARma!

The Law of Good Karma asserts that if you do good for others, good things will come to you. The symbol for Karma is the wheel.

Our friends at Subaru of America, Inc. value the importance of volunteerism and community and offer this exclusive benefit to their friends and family in the Dining Out For Life family. We call it Good CARma! The symbol for Good CARma is the Subaru All Wheel Drive.

For a limitd time, the Dining Out for Life fans and friends are eligible to save between $1,300 to $3,000 off the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (depending on the model and accessories), plus any applicable incentives when you lease or purchase a new Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Forester or Tribeca. Visit www.subaru.com today to view the exciting Subaru line-up and to locate your local dealer.

Now, in order to get your Good CARma - you must obtain a Dealer Visit Authorization form, prior to contacting a Subaru dealer. To request your authorization form, please contact Dining Out For Life International at 610-397-0100 and provide the event code: D0FL09. Your authorization form will be e-mailed to you within two days from Subaru VIP HQ. This special offer is valid through February 15, 2010.

Sound easy? Absolutely! It's Subaru America and Dining Out For Life International's small way of saying thank you for the huge support you all bring to this life-enriching event!

Now - for the legalese....

This limited time offer is subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Certain models may be excluded. This offer replaces all other existing offers.

Manufactured Suggested Retail Price does not include tax, title and registration fees. Limited time offer subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Valid in the U.S. only, except Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Cannot be combined with any other SOA promotional offers, coupons (such as auto show or internet coupons) or direct mail offers (Except Subaru Guaranteed Trade-In Program (GTP) or Subaru Reward Dollars). For further assistance from Subaru regarding the VIP Program, call VIP Program Headquarters at 1-800-VIP-0933.

Ladies & Gentleman: PAM GRIER!

2009-11-17T15:11:00.005-05:00

Breaking News!

Film legend and TV actress, advocate, philanthropist and author Pam Grier has graciously agreed to join our beloved Ted Allen as a celebrity co-spokesperson of Dining Out For Life International!

Most recently on Showtime's hit series The L Word, Grier came to fame in the early 1970s, after starring in a string of popular blaxploitation films like cult-classic Foxy Brown. One of a few African American actresses to have received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress, Grier has also been nominated for a SAG, Satellite Award, and an Emmy nomination. Check out here bio HERE for more details about this talented titan.

Now we are uber-excited that Grier will be D04L spokesperson, but we also are geeking out about her other upcoming assignment! Grier will soon be seen as the diabolical Amanda Waller on CW's Smallville. Read more about that casting coup HERE!

Photo credit for Pam Grier's photo: Greg Gorman, Gorman Photography

Just The Facts Please...

2009-11-15T12:55:00.001-05:00

Since our blog went live earlier this week, we've gotten some great feedback here and through our Twitter feed. Keep it up! We love meeting Dining Out For Life fans!

We've also been asked a few basic and common questions, so we've decided to do a little DO4L primer!

April 29, 2010 is the international date for Dining Out For Life. This will be the 20th annual event!
Subaru of America has been the International Host Sponsor since 2007.
Ted Allen of Food Network's Chopped has been the spokesperson since 2008.
The one-day event is held in nearly 60 cities across the U.S. & Canada! Keep checking here and our website for an updated list of participating cities!

So there you have the facts! We probably forgot something, so don't hesitate to drop us an e-mail or comment if you have any questions! To stay completely in the loop, connect with us using the tools on the right hand sign of this blog. Seriously consider signing up for our newsletter: Dining Out For LifeLines, its got some incredible content and information.

Hello & Thank You!

2009-11-10T17:23:00.001-05:00

Hi!

Welcome to the first post on the brand-new Dining Out For Life^® blog!

Back in 1991, Dining Out For Life® International hosted by Subaru (DO4L) was created by an ActionAIDS volunteer in Philadelphia.

It was a groundbreaking idea.

Over the next two decades, DO4L would grow to become an annual fundraising event involving the generous participation of volunteers, corporate sponsors and restaurants produced in over 55 cities throughout the United States and Canada! So popular, so successful and so meaningful to the communities served, D04L continues to grow with new cities added each year. Over $3.5 million dollars was raised last year - that's a lot of green from one night of grub.

The nationwide event now has more than 3,500 restaurants participating. Each restaurant donates a portion of their proceeds from one special night of dining to a licensed agency in their city, with all money raised in each individual city staying THERE! You eat in Seattle, the money benefits Seattle. You eat in New York, the money benefits New York. And so on, and so on, and so on....

This blog is to service all of the many cities and restaurants that support this international fundraiser. We have so big plans, and hope you keep checking back to see what we are up to! We also want your feedback, stories, ideas, images and help! DO4L is a stellar success only do to the amazing support from all of you world-wide. That is why this blog is also a huge "THANK YOU!" to all of you. HUGE THANK YOU! Keep reading, cause we have some even better ways of showing our gratitude coming your way!

Now, to fully embrace our family, join us on Twitter, Facebook, and check out our website.

And remember to block out Thursday, April 29th, 2010 on your calendar. You have a dinner date!