5th Annual Dining Out for Life to Be Held on April 24

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ALBANY, NY (04/16/2008)(readMedia)-- The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York is proud to host the Capital Region’s fifth annual Dining Out for Life on Thursday, April 24. Over 30 area restaurants, from Plattsburgh to Hudson and throughout the Capital Region, will be donating at least 25% of their sales to help fight HIV/AIDS. Patrons simply have to donate their appetites on April 24th to support this great cause!

Dining Out for Life has received increasing support each year since its local inception. Last year $30,000 was donated to provide essential services to those living with HIV/AIDS and cutting-edge HIV prevention programs. Michele McClave, Executive Director of the AIDS Council, hopes Dining Out for Life will raise even more funds and awareness this year. “New York is still the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic and new infections continue to occur daily”, said McClave. “Although the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States is not prominent in the media, it is still here and there is still no cure.”

Recently the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released findings that indicated alarming increases in new HIV infections, especially in the nation’s under 25 population and in communities of color. In New York, 6 people die each day from HIV/AIDS. Locally, the AIDS Council has seen increased need for client and prevention services at a time when economic pressure has reduced funding and donations. In fact, the recently approved State budget cut funding to HIV Community Service Providers by $2 million dollars. McClave hopes that events, such as Dining Out for Life, will not only make up for cut funds, but help promote why these services are vital to the community.

When local restaurants were asked about their participation and reasons for donating 25% of their sales on April 24, Michael Bowman of Beverly’s Restaurant in Saratoga said “We love the way the community comes together for this event. It’s great to be able to help.” For other restaraunteurs like Steve Sullivan, owner of the The Olde Bryan Inn and Longfellow’s Hotel, Restaurant & Conference Center in Saratoga, it is the personal connection of losing a friend to AIDS.

Restaurants in Albany, Clifton Park, Delmar, Glens Falls, Guilderland, Hudson, Latham, Plattsburgh, Saratoga, Schenectady and Troy are participating in the event. Barefoot Wine is graciously donating 100% of their wine sales at the restaurants to the AIDS Council. Diners will also have the chance to win several prizes by dining out such as a trip to Atlantic City, Lake Placid getaway or a $500.00 floral gift certificate. Dining Out for Life is an international event held in more than 40 cities that raises HIV/AIDS awareness.

Sponsors of the event include HSBC Bank USA and Total Town Health. Media Sponsors: Metroland, Fly92, WTEN and Plattsburgh Press-Republican. Additional support from Barefoot Wine, Out&About Phonebook, Yankee Trails World Travel, Mirror Lake Inn and Brendan Flanigan Design.

For a complete restaurant listing please call 518.434.4686 or visit www.diningoutforlife.com.

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The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York is a not-for-profit human service agency whose mission is to reduce the risk, fear, and incidence of HIV infection, encourage the independence of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and promote understanding of their needs. In operation for over 24 years, the AIDS Council is the preeminent provider of AIDS services in a fifteen county region in Upstate New York with offices in Albany, Glens Falls, Hudson, Plattsburgh, Schenectady and Troy. For more information about the AIDS Council, please visit www.aidscouncil.org.