Philadelphia’s top chefs, restaurants and foodies will gather this week to continue one of the city’s oldest and largest restaurant traditions, while also supporting local individuals living with HIV.
The 35th Annual Dining Out for Life will take place on Thursday, April 24, and this year’s iteration will include 40 of the city’s finest restaurants.
“With very little effort, people in the greater Philadelphia area can help end HIV simply by going to a participating restaurant on April 24,” said Action Wellness Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres.
Funds raised from Dining Out For Life Philadelphia go to Action Wellness to support more than 2,000 clients and their families through life-sustaining services.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, there are 18,000 people living with HIV in Philadelphia.
Action Wellness supports that population, and their families each year, thanks to the dedication of over 200 volunteers and 100 professional staff. Together, they work to sustain and improve the quality of life for the diverse community they serve.
Action Wellness is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest AIDS service organizations, and it is the largest AIDS service organization in Philadelphia. The organization is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with HIV and those at high risk of infection by offering a comprehensive range of services including medical case management, perinatal care, prison linkage and reentry support and housing assistance.
“Today, because of medical advancements and the hard work of Action Wellness and other HIV services organizations, we can end HIV,” said Torres. “However, there is still an incredible amount of work that needs to be done to end the epidemic as we continue to support individuals and their families in their journey.”
CULINARY CONNECTION
Action Wellness pioneered Dining Out for Life 35 years ago and since, it has expanded across the world. Today, Dining Out For Life is an annual fundraising event that takes place across the globe, raising $4 million annually in more than 50 cities around the world for tens of thousands of people living with HIV.
“My favorite part of the event is the community aspect and simplicity of it,” said Action Wellness Development Coordinator Kevin Vuernick. “I have made it a point to dine out during this event for as long as I can remember.”
“Dining Out for Life is simply delicious and elegant and perfect for a night of conversation, hope, help and friendship,” added The Love Co-Owner and Restauranteur Aime Olexy.
Hours for Dining Out for Life vary by restaurant, and reservations are encouraged in advance. For a full list of restaurants or to make an advance donation, visit diningoutforlife.com/Philadelphia.
