Author: Mary Ann Lauricella
The 12th annual Dining Out for Life will take place in nearly 100 area restaurants on Tuesday, October 7, benefiting Evergreen Health Services’ efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in this region and to provide vital services to those living with the disease.
Participating restaurants generously donate a percentage of that day’s food sales, while all that diners have to donate are their appetites.
Always a popular community fundraiser – last year more than 10,000 diners got together with family and friends to enjoy a restaurant meal – the 2014 event features 16 new participating restaurants, most located within the City of Buffalo.
Founding restaurants in the city, such as Chef’s, Cecelia’s Ristorante, Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant, and Nektar Martini Bar and Restaurant, have provided consistent support since the event was first held in Buffalo in 2003. This year, several of the first-time participants are introducing their own ideas to ensure success.
Martin Danilowicz, owner of Martin Cooks, decided to continue his donation beyond October 7, by contributing something from each diner’s check during the entire month. Four food truck owners who are part of Food Truck Tuesday – Amy’s Place, Black Market Food Truck, Whole Hog and Sweet Melody’s – signed on, as did their Larkin Square neighbor, The Filling Station. First-timers Vera Pizza and Buffalo Proper will donate a percentage of alcoholic beverage sales as well as food sales on October 7.
All that support is important to the success of Dining Out for Life, which now also benefits Benedict House, founded in Buffalo in 1987 by the Rev. Vincent Crosby, OSB. It is a residence for people with HIV/AIDS in an environment of dignity, respect and compassion. Father Crosby’s brother, Gary, who is President and CEO of First Niagara Financial Group, and Gary’s wife, Joan, are chairing the 2014 Dining Out for Life Committee.
Wherever you may be in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua or Cattaraugus counties on October 7, you will find participating restaurants offering a variety of cuisine, from breakfast through dessert. For a complete list, visit diningoutforlife.com or call 716-847-0340. All funds raised here remain in Western New York.
Images: Martin Danilowicz @ Martin Cooks
