Dining Out for Life

When you think about Africa and the recent studies that show HIV rates rising among most sexually active populations, it is very daunting to think about how each of us can help fight AIDS.

This Thursday, April 24th, several corporations and over 50 cities across North America will work together for the 15th annual Dining Out For Life. DOFL works with a specific city to raise money for a local non-profit organization through restaurant sales. It is unique in that it is a national effort that gives the support back to the community that donated it.

This year over 2,800 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada will give a portion of their sales to fight AIDS. Last year, $100,000 was raised in Chicago alone, with over $3 million raised across the board. This year more than 70 restaurants are participating in Chicago and hopefully we'll be able to raise record breaking funds with this clever idea in our on-going war on AIDS.

AIDSCare is a Chicago based non-profit organization that provides people with advanced HIV/AIDS housing and support services. As 2008's DOFL beneficiary for the Chicago area, the money raised will help AIDSCare continue its mission of providing supported living services for people who would otherwise be homeless.

DOFL structures the levels in which participating restaurants can contribute. An eatery can either donate a percentage of sales or it can pledge up to a certain amount.

A couple of local restaurants are donating 100% of their sales to the cause. Maui Wowi at 2854 N. Broadway serves Hawaiian coffees, bakery items, smoothies and soup and will be participating for all three meals of the day. Avenue Tavern at 2916 N. Broadway serves traditional
American diner food and is also participating for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Agave Bar and Grill in West Lakeview, Dinotto Ristorante in Old Town, and Le Creperie, Mia Francesca and Firefly in Boystown will all be donating 50% of their dinner sales.

Looking through www.diningoutforlife.com/chicago, you'll see just how many restaurants across so many different neighborhoods are reaching into their pockets and supporting AIDSCare.

Whether you live in Uptown or Downtown, it is a wonderful feeling to know that Chicago is using its vast culinary resources for such a good cause. This Thursday, why not do something you'd do anyway but add that benevolence that will surely make dessert that much sweeter?