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
