News Summary
Asheville is gearing up for the annual Dining Out For Life® event on April 24, marking its 23rd year of supporting the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP). With around 50 participating restaurants, a portion of every meal will benefit HIV care and prevention efforts. This community-driven initiative not only raises funds but also raises awareness about HIV. Participating establishments, like Posana, will also offer special items like cupcakes with proceeds supporting WNCAP. Join in to eat well and contribute to a worthy cause while strengthening community bonds.
Asheville Gears Up for Dining Out For Life® Fundraiser on April 24
Get ready, Asheville! The much-anticipated annual fundraiser, Dining Out For Life®, is set to return on Thursday, April 24, bringing together the community for a fantastic cause. Celebrating its 23rd year, this beloved event is a collaboration between local restaurants and the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP), ensuring that a portion of every meal served on that day will go straight toward supporting HIV care and prevention.
A Community Effort for a Worthy Cause
With around 50 participating restaurants, the event is backed wholeheartedly by the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and local community members who volunteer as Ambassadors in these restaurants. Their role? To spread the word about HIV, share information, and generate awareness, all while enjoying a great meal.
One of the key players, a community outreach specialist from Prestige Subaru, notes that Dining Out For Life® is a simple yet impactful way for everyone in the community to support WNCAP during this special day. It’s about eating good food and making a difference in the lives of others!
Celebration and Support at Local Favorites
Among the participating eateries, Posana restaurant has been a proud participant for an impressive 16 years. Their co-founder and executive chef, along with the rest of the team, views this event as a celebration, transforming a regular night into something extraordinary. A unique tradition has emerged at Posana, where they sell $10 cupcakes with all proceeds dedicated to WNCAP. Talk about sweetening the deal!
This year, in light of the financial woes faced by many businesses due to Hurricane Helene, restaurants have the option to donate any portion of their sales that suits their budget. Typically, they contribute around 20 percent, but this new approach allows local establishments to participate without stretching their limited resources.
Supporting Those in Need
WNCAP plays a pivotal role in the community, offering essential services like medical case management, social support, and financial assistance for those living with HIV. The importance of this year’s Dining Out For Life® is underscored by the pressing needs of clients, especially following the recent adversities brought on by the hurricane.
The community navigation coordinator at WNCAP emphasizes that this day is crucial not just for the clients but also for the health of the entire community. There is a renewed sense of togetherness following the storm, with the community rallying to support local restaurants who, in turn, bolster the area’s resilience.
A Collective Spirit
The restaurants of Asheville are stepping up in a big way for this event. Besides cooking delicious meals, they actively promote Dining Out For Life® and encourage their staff to participate, ensuring that everyone is on board. One local favorite, Pack’s Tavern, is doing its part by advertising the event and incentivizing their crew to engage.
Over the past 22 years, Dining Out For Life® has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for HIV/AIDS research and support. Community spirit and collaboration have proven vital, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, as local establishments work to inspire and engage residents to show support.
Join the Effort!
So, mark your calendars and get those appetites ready! Dining Out For Life® is not just a fundraising event; it’s an opportunity for the entire Asheville community to unite, eat delicious meals, and support a cause that makes a difference. You can find more information about the participating restaurants and how you can contribute through the WNCAP website and other local community platforms. Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community gets the care and support they need!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Food Events and Restaurant Updates in Asheville This April
Asheville Welcomes Community Star Tony Prieto
Asheville Launches Food Scraps Drop-Off Program
Grey Eagle’s Country Brunch Series Draws Local Crowd
Asheville Recovers and Welcomes Visitors Back with Culture
Asheville Mourns the Loss of Chef Brian Canipelli
Asheville Artists and Residents Rebuild After Hurricane Helene
Asheville Farmers Markets Thrive in Winter
WNC Tip It Forward Initiative Helps Arts and Culinary Workers
Asheville’s Real Estate Resilience After Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Dining Out For Life Fundraiser
- Food & Wine: Asheville Restaurants Reopen
- Eater: Best Asheville Restaurants
- Southern Living: The Pirate Plumber
- Wikipedia: HIV/AIDS Organizations in the United States
