More than 55 Top Chicagoland Restaurants Unite for One Day to Help Raise Vital Funds for Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) in Chicago
CHICAGO, IL (March 29, 2018) – After a three-year absence, Dining Out For Life (DOFL) returns to Chicago on Thursday, April 26. Founded in 1991, the annual, international event raises vital funds for HIV/AIDS service organizations. Participating restaurants donate a percentage of their daily sales to DOFL and diners contribute simply by enjoying their meal with the organization’s partners. All proceeds from this year’s Chicago event will benefit Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) in Chicago to continue to provide FREE services to the local community.
This year’s event features more than 55 Chicagoland restaurants, such as Appellation Wine Bar & Restaurant, Heaven on Seven, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Peninsula’s Hotel The Lobby, Purple Pig, The Dearborn and Urban Belly – which represent most of the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the Magnificent Mile to Evanston and Albany Park.
For a full list of participating restaurants, please visit:
https://www.diningoutforlife.com/chicago/restaurants/
Six-year DOFL national spokesperson, the host of Chopped on The Food Network and former Chicago resident, Ted Allen says, “For me, it’s a great privilege to give my time alongside people who work full-time in this field. Dining Out For Life gets more guests into local restaurants and all of the local money stays local. It enriches the culinary community and feeds people.”
“Chicago’s restaurants are in large part the cornerstone of our community—going above and beyond in giving back to their local neighborhoods each and every day,” observed Derrek Hull, a member of the Planning Committee for Dining Out For Life and the Trotter Project Executive Director and Co-Founder. “Similarly, TPAN works tirelessly to positively impact Chicago’s HIV/AIDS community and those vulnerable to infection.”
Chicago’s 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunny states, “In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, restaurants were especially hard hit with the stigma of having a positive chef, server or even busser. Dining Out For Life was not only a way to raise money but took a bold step to reduce the stigma that surrounded HIV/AIDS at the time.”
About Dining Out For Life:
Dining Out For Life is a fundraising venture for outstanding HIV/AIDS service organizations and programs throughout the United States and Canada. Since 1991, Dining Out For Life has been produced by local HIV/AIDS service organizations, ensuring that funds raised local stay local. Last year, 3,057 venues throughout the country raised more than $4.2 million with Dining Out For Life for HIV/AIDS services in their communities.
About TPAN:
Founded in 1987, TPAN provides free services, including education, emotional and crisis support, and referrals, to those living with or vulnerable to HIV, hepatitis C, and related health conditions. TPAN is known for its outreach and close connection to Chicago’s LGBTQ communities. The agency hosts the annual Ride for AIDS Chicago and the international social media anti-stigma campaign, A Day with HIV, which showcases the abilities of those living with HIV/AIDS.
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