Dining Out For Life

Make reservations at top East Bay restaurants for April 24 to support an outstanding cause

In hard economic times, it’s often those with the least who struggle the most. In the East Bay, many people living with AIDS are also low-income or even homeless. On Thursday April 24, you can help these neighbors by dining out. Just make sure it’s at one of the more than 70 restaurants participating in Dining Out for Life, a fundraiser for Vital Life Services, an Oakland-based non-profit organization that assists AIDS patients.

Restaurants from Danville’s Amber Bistro to Moraga’s Amoroma to Walnut Creek’s Havana will give a quarter of their profits for the day to Vital Life Services. Shelby’s in Orinda and Digs Bistro in Berkeley have pledged to give 50 percent of their profits to the cause.

“Dining Out for Life is a national event,” says Simona Fino, event and volunteer coordinator for Vital Life Services. “Cities throughout the United States and Canada host in their area and all the monies go to local organizations. So all the money raised from Dining Out for Life ‘East Bay’ will go directly to our agency.” Last year, the event brought in $108,000. The goal this year is $125,000.

The array of restaurants is impressive. You can choose from Indian fare at Ajanta, Khana Peena, or Mint Leaf; California Cuisine at Café Rouge, B Restaurant, or Mezze; Mexican at Juan’s Place, Tamarindo, or Tacubaya; and Italian at Pizza Antica, La Piazza, or Pizzaiolo. For dessert, head to Fenton’s for an ice cream sundae. Truly committed eaters can even arrange their April 24 to eat at Dining Out for Life restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hey, it’s for a good cause.

Visit www.diningoutforlife.com to make your reservations. —Kathryn Jessup

Posted at 02:28 PM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink