Event Turns Eating Out Into Fundraiser for AIDS

Wanting to be able to produce prevention programs and launch campaigns not ruled over by Washington's bureaucratic eye, the San Francisco-based Stop AIDS Project last year took part in "Dining Out for Life," turning a night dining out into a fundraiser. Last year, participating restaurants donated $30,000 to the agency. "It helps us cover expenses not included in our contracts, including some administration costs and salaries," said agency spokesperson Shana Krochmal. "The more unrestricted money we have, the more workshops we can put on no matter if the content is controversial."

The agency is once again benefiting from the fundraiser, which will take place this Wednesday, April 23. This year, the project hopes to raise $100,000. SAP has already raised $47,000 from corporate sponsors Abbot Laboratories, Tanqueray, and the Russian River winery La Crema. Four restaurants have already told SAP they will be writing checks for over $2,500.

To take part in the event, diners simply make a reservation at any of the participating restaurants. Twenty-five percent of the food bill will then be donated to Stop AIDS. And it is not just dinner; this year diners can participate at breakfast and lunch as well.

"Dining Out for Life" has grown into a Peninsula-wide night out: In all, nearly 70 establishments have agreed to take part. Nearly every restaurant in the Castro district has signed on for the fundraiser, from the Anchor Oyster Bar to Catch to Tangerine. Seven locations of the locally owned Pasta Pomodoro chain have also enlisted in the event, as will City Supervisor and mayoral candidate Gavin Newsom's PlumpJack Café. Raffle tickets are being sold for trips and other prizes, and former Ambassador to Luxembourg James C. Hormel will match all raffle proceeds. A listing of San Francisco venues is available at www.diningoutforlife.com.

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