Dining Out For Life, the national food and drink fundraising event and the region’s largest annual HIV fundraiser, raised more than $90,000 during its October fundraiser in Western New York, according to a January news release.
During the event, more than 50 restaurants donated a percentage of their sales to Evergreen Health, a local healthcare organization that specializes in HIV and hepatitis C testing, treatment and care, as well as drug user health services.
“HIV is a treatable chronic health condition, and with treatment, people living with HIV can lead healthy lives. We thank the Western New York community and our restaurants for their generous donations – $90,000 that is going directly to our HIV testing, care and treatment,” said Rob Baird, director of advancement at Evergreen Health.
Dining Out For Life WNY has taken place for 19 consecutive years and raised more than $1,340,000 to provide services for those in Western New York living with HIV.
Dining Out For Life is a food and drink event through which, by dining out at local restaurants, patrons donate to community-based organizations serving people living with or impacted by HIV.
In Western New York, 25% or more of food and drink purchases are given to beneficiary Evergreen Health.
According to 2019 data, 3,400 people are living with HIV/AIDS within the eight counties of Western New York. Of those individuals, 2,929 know their diagnosis.
Evergreen Health cares for more than 1500 patients living with HIV/AIDS.