Swift’s Attic is one of many enticing options during Dining Out for Life 2018 (Credit: Swift’s Attic)
Guilt-free eating at your favorite Austin restaurants is possible during Dining Out for Life on Tuesday, April 24. Simply dine out on April 24, 2018, at any of the 60+ local restaurants that are donating a portion of their proceeds to Dining Out for Life that day. Calories don’t count when you’re helping our community by eating that delicious food!
The money from #DineOutATX goes directly to AIDS Services of Austin and will help serve more than 5,000 Austin residents living with HIV. AIDS Services of Austin also provides preventive screenings, education, outreach, and advocacy to at-risk populations. Special Events Coordinator Cambriae Bates emphasized they are working hard to raise awareness, fight stigma, and expand services in the Austin area. Dining Out for Life furthers the cause tremendously. In 2017, this event raised more than $52,000.
From Humble Beginnings
Yuyo’s tantalizing Peruvian Cuisine is another solid #DineOutATX option (Credit: Yuyo)
When AIDS Services of Austin opened 31 years ago, it started out on a small scale. The organization has slowly but surely grown its profile in Austin, expanding awareness and services. Dining Out for Life is one of the organization’s most visible annual events. Contribute by dining out at a participating Austin-area restaurant on April 24.
“We are thrilled to host Dining Out For Life for the 26th year in Austin along with Subaru of America,” said AIDS Services of Austin Chief Executive Officer Paul Scott. “This event is especially important for programs like our Helping Hands Food Bank, which provides supplemental food to our patients who might otherwise have to decide between affording their HIV medication or food on the table. We’re here to make sure they get both!”
Wu Chow’s famous soup dumplings are on offer for #DineOutATX (Credit: Wu Chow)
All participating restaurants are donating proceeds from sales on April 24, but there are special events April 22-23, too! AIDS Services of Austin and #DineoutATX bring added heat from celebrities Mondo Guerra of “Project Runway” fame, and none other than cultural icon and female powerhouse actress, Pam Grier!
Rise and shine for AIDS services with Moonshine’s chicken and waffles (Credit: Moonshine)
Sunday, April 22, Mondo Guerra is hosting a kickoff press brunch with local media at Swift’s Attic. That same night, Pam Grier hosts a special screening of “Jackie Brown” at Alamo Drafthouse Mueller. Monday, April 23, Grier and Ghef Wolfgang from Fabi + Rosi host a cooking class with Helping Hands Food Bank, along with participants from the Women Rising Project.
Please photograph and post your photos to social media with the #DineOutATX hashtag to increase awareness for the event. Rally now, foodies and Instagram addicts of Austin! This is your time to shine, my darlings. Let’s do this awesome thing!
Where Do Proceeds Go?
Dine out al fresco at Texas Chili Queens’ food truck during #DineOutATX (Credit: Texas Chili Queens)
AIDS Services of Austin is extending outreach in the community through testing and educational programs. It is also opening a clinic and pharmacy this year, in order to service more Austin residents who are either living with HIV or at high risk to contract the virus.
Currently, the organization serves approximately 7,500 Austin residents in high-risk populations. Austin is home to an estimated 6,000 people with HIV.
You won’t leave Chicon hungry on April 24 if you try this hearty cheeseburger (Credit: Chicon)
Special Events Coordinator Cambriae Bates stressed the need for more services as Austin’s population swells. With the influx of people, there is a corresponding increase in HIV cases. Based on 2016 CDC statistics, 61 percent of people living with HIV are between the ages of 20 and 39. There has been a recorded 40 percent increase in HIV cases among people aged 15 to 24. Among those with HIV, one in eight do not know they have it. This sobering data underscores the importance of extending the organization’s reach among high-risk residents.
Dining Out for Life Participating Restaurants
Satisfy that sweet tooth at Lick Honest Ice Creams on April 24 for AIDS Services of Austin (Credit: Lick Honest Ice Creams)
The list is long, but to whet your appetites, let’s talk about the options you have for good eats.
- Magnolia Cafe
- Amy’s Ice Creams
- Texas Chili Queens
- Galaxy Cafe
- Maudie’s
- Guero’s Taco Bar
- Emmer & Rye
- El Alma
- Cherrywood Coffee House
- Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
- Via 313
- Roppolo’s Pizzeria
- Fabi + Rosi
- Wink
- Noble Sandwich
- Alcomar
- Holy Roller
- Yuyo
See the full list of participating restaurants on the event website. On April 24, make plans with your favorite people, get out there, and support #DineOutATX and these big-hearted Austin businesses who are giving back to our community. Make an even bigger impact by eating out for every meal that day!
@theAustinot wants to know:
Where will you eat during Dining Out for Life?
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