It’s that time of year again. We know it’s a difficult thing to do, to eat a lovely meal with friends, knowing that a good portion of the check will go to support AIDS research and support services. But we ask that you find it within yourself to endure such a hardship tomorrow night as part of Dining Out for Life.
In all seriousness, this national fundraiser has made great headway since it was first organized in 1991. Today it raises nearly $4 million dollars in a single evening, with over 3,5000 restaurants involved across the country. More than 100 Western New York restaurants will participate tomorrow. Visiting the organization’s website will allow you to see which restaurants are participating and at which level they are donating. Additionally, volunteer ambassadors work at each restaurant, collecting donations from anyone interested in boosting their contribution. All of the money raised here in our region will go to the local organization, AIDS Community Services.
To simplify things, we’re considering visiting one of the city restaurants who is choosing to donate 50% or more of each check to the cause. That list includes: Boomerang’s, Cecelia’s, Century Grill, Juniper, Oliver’s, Quaker Bonnet, Ristorante Lombardo, Sample or the ECC City Campus’ EM Statler Dining Room (where the donation is 100%).
Not that you need it, but participating in Dining Out for Life is a perfect excuse for visiting a local restaurant on a weeknight. We hope you take advantage of it.