Dining out Thursday will help in HIV/AIDS fight

By Laura Reiley, Times Food Critic
In print: Wednesday, April 23, 2008

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ASAP — as soon as possible — is a common acronym in our daily lives. But for the thousand people who benefit from AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, that's often not soon enough.

The largest provider of HIV/AIDS services in Pinellas, ASAP will hold its second annual Dining Out For Life evening on Thursday to raise money for services.

The event was created by ActionAIDS in Philadelphia in 1993. Since then, 3,500 restaurants internationally have donated a percentage of their proceeds from this single night to AIDS service organizations around the country and Canada, making it the largest international fundraising event for HIV/AIDS.

The idea is simple: Dine at any of the 36 participating restaurants in Pinellas County on Thursday and 25 percent of your bill will be donated to AIDS Service Association of Pinellas.

According to Daniel Hodge, local community programs director for ASAP, the money goes to fund a food pantry program and an annual retreat for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Last year the evening netted $13,000 from the 23 participating restaurants; this year he hopes that number will be doubled.

In Gulfport alone, a dozen restaurants in a three-block area will participate, coalescing in a festive "movable feast" street scene.

As Hodge explains, "This is just our second year, but the potential is enormous." So, eat early, eat often, and order dessert — it's for charity.