Action Wellness set out on its mission to address the AIDS epidemic in Philadelphia in 1991, and since then their efforts have cemented a spot as one of Pennsylvania’s largest AIDS service organizations. And throughout their journey over the past 32 years, their key event—Dining Out For Life—has been there along the way.
What makes the event hyper-local and hyper-charitable is the involvement of the community and small businesses. Dining Out For Life is essentially a night out at your favorite restaurant, a dinner with your loved one, or an early start to the weekend at a new eatery—however, a percentage of the restaurant’s food sales are sent to Action Wellness to help continue their work in the Delaware Valley.
It’s even more impactful considering how hard the food and beverage industry has been hit in the past two years. In 2020, Dining Out For Life became Dining In For Life, in response to COVID-19. To compensate, restaurants were not asked to donate, and the community instead was asked to donate directly to Action Wellness while they still were able to support their favorite restaurants.
So, this marks a major comeback for the charitable evening, which will officially be held this Thursday, April 28.
As a release states, with the support of the restaurant community, Action Wellness raised close to $200,000 annually before the pandemic. This support allows Action Wellness to continue to provide life-sustaining services to more than 4,000 men, women and children in the Philadelphia region living with and affected by HIV. The release also states that Dining Out For Life is now produced in over 50 cities throughout the United States and Canada. Through the simple act of dining out, the event collectively raises over $4 million every year for HIV/AIDS service organizations.
“We are excited to be back in person at participating restaurants for Dining Out For Life 2022 on Thursday, April 28,” says Kevin Burns, Executive Director of Action Wellness. “This event supports vital services for people living with HIV in the region. We are very grateful for the support the community provides through this event. Dine Out – End HIV.”
Philadelphians can head to spots in different areas of the city such as Bistro Romano, Continental Midtown, The Dandelion, Giorgio on Pine, Jack’s Firehouse, LMNO, Mike’s BBQ, Pizzeria Stella, Stina, White Elephant Restaurant and much more. A full list of spots participating in Dining Out For Life can be found online.
However, those who can’t head out for dinner or to buy some take-out this Thursday can still show their support to the organization. Philadelphians can make a donation to Action Wellness online, or by phone at 215-981-3367 , or by texting DINEOUTPHL to 50155. Philadelphians can also become an in-person or virtual ambassador and create their own fundraising page, or, follow Action Wellness on social media to share their posts and information (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.)
If you are able to head out to any of the participating spots for Dining Out For Life, you can post about your experience by using #dineoutendhivphl.
To learn more about Dining Out For Life, visit diningoutforlife.com
