Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
Dining Out For Life® is April 25—eat at all your fav Bham restaurants for a good cause
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Birmingham’s 15th annual Dining Out For Life® bash is happening on Thursday, April 25th.
Round up your pals or supper club and hit up any of the many awesome local restaurants joining in the fun. You’ll be lending a hand in raising funds and spreading awareness for people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Plus, hear the story of how this event became a cherished tradition for one supper club in Birmingham.
Dining Out For Life® event details
When you dine at a participating restaurant—for breakfast, lunch, dinner or all three (why not?)—on April 25, a portion of your bill will be donated to AIDS Alabama.
- When: Thursday, April 25, between 7AM-10PM
Some of Birmingham’s most popular restaurants are participating in the event, including:
- Big Bad Breakfast
- Bottega Café
- Chez Fonfon
- El Barrio
- Frothy Monkey
- Moss Rock Tacos & Tequila
- Ocean
- Rojo
- Slice Pizza & Brew
- Vino Gallery & Bar
- And more
Find the full list of participating restaurants here.
Be sure to thank the restaurant staff for participating in Dining Out For Life®.
Why Gayle Watts participates in Dining Out For Life®
I spoke with Gayle Watts, the CEO of Children’s Aid Society of Alabama, to learn about her involvement with Dining Out For Life® and to understand why she has been participating for the last four years.
Watts shared with me that her friend Kathie Hiers told her about this event a few years ago, and ever since then, her Thursday Night Supper Club has been going to support AIDS Alabama.
“It’s really fun because not only do we get to eat yummy food, but we’re also helping out people who really need it. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Dining Out for Life has become one of our group’s annual traditions, and we aim to dine at a different restaurant each year.
I encourage other groups and individuals who’ve not yet participated in the event to do so.
After all, it’s a wonderful way to treat our palates, visit with old and new friends and give back to our community!”
Gayle Watts, CEO, Children’s Aid Society of Alabama
More about AIDS Alabama
AIDS Alabama supports people living with HIV/AIDS by meeting their critical needs through a wide range of services including:
- Providing emergency food, shelter, supportive services + clothing for LGBTQ+ youth at The Way Station.
- Testing for HIV + other diseases.
- Giving access to free healthcare, mental health support, community + more at El Centro/The Hub.
- Teaching people how to prevent contracting HIV.
- LatinX outreach programs—providing medical translation services, linkage to care and immigration support.
HIV/AIDS statistics in the Southern U.S.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while the Southern U.S. accounts for approximately 38% of the U.S. population, the region represented more than half (52%) of all new HIV diagnoses in 2021.
Though there have been many medical advances that make HIV manageable as a chronic condition, Alabama has the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the nation. This makes AIDS Alabama’s prevention, transportation, mental health and housing services vital.
“Science has given us the tools to end the HIV epidemic, but these incredible advancements are useless if we can’t get them into the hands of the folks who need them.
These restaurants are helping us do just that! Join us at a partnering restaurant or get takeout to support AIDS Alabama’s life-saving, life-affirming programs and services.”
Gina Mallisham, Director of Development, AIDS Alabama
Want to do more? Volunteer as a Dining Out For Life® Ambassador.
Interested? Email Gina Mallisham at gina.mallisham@aidsalabama.org.
Learn more about Dining Out For Life® + gather your friends to eat on April 25!
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