The theme for this year’s 15th annual Dining Out for Life event is “Chews To Help. Dine Out, Fight AIDS.” Western New Yorkers can help raise funds to assist individuals and families in our community who are affected by HIV by dining out for breakfast, lunch or dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 10 as part of this national fundraising event held annually in more than 60 participating cities.
This year, 90 restaurants in Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua counties will donate 25 percent (or more) of their proceeds on Oct. 10 as part of Western New York’s Dining Out for Life. All money raised remains in Western New York, supporting the HIV treatment and prevention services of Evergreen Health, a not-for-profit organization providing HIV services since 1983.
Dine Out poster 
KeyBank has signed on as presenting sponsor for the event for the second consecutive year and will match, dollar for dollar, money donated by diners the night of the event, up to $10,000. KeyBank will also provide a large contingent of employees who will volunteer at the event, greeting guests and encouraging contributions.
“KeyBank’s mission is to help the communities we serve thrive, and we are once again proud to partner with Evergreen Health for Dining Out for Life,” said Gary Quenneville, Regional Sales Executive, KeyBank Upstate New York Region. “This event helps fight HIV and AIDS by providing vital services and resources to thousands of patients in Western New York. It also gives participants an opportunity to help a worthwhile cause while enjoying a fantastic meal at one of our great local restaurants.”
Evergreen Health is also pleased to announce that award-winning chefs Steve and Ellen Gedra have been named honorary co-chairs of the 2017 Dining Out for Life, presented by KeyBank and Evergreen Health. The Gedras, who co-chaired last year’s event, are co-owners of The Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar, a true farm-to-table dining experience located on Connecticut Street on Buffalo’s West Side.
Executive Chef Steve Gedra and Owner/Operator/Baker Ellen Gedra have participated in Dining Out for Life since they returned to Western New York in 2009 and took over Bistro Europa; they now operate The Black Sheep, which they opened in 2014. As they did for last year’s event, the Gedras are donating 50 percent of each food bill (including alcohol) to Dining Out for Life. As well, the Black Sheep’s wait staff will donate a portion of their tips that evening to this year’s event.
New this year: Lyft is offering diners up to a 20 percent discount off rides ($10 per ride two rides per person maximum) that originate or end in the greater Buffalo area on Oct. 10 between 5 p.m. and midnight when they enter the DINEOUTWNY code in the Lyft app.
According to the New York State Department of Health, it is estimated that 3,000 people in Western New York are living with HIV. Evergreen provides a variety of HIV specialty care services throughout the region, including primary care, full-service pharmacy, nutrition support, housing and transportation assistance, and mental health services.
“Evergreen opens its doors for anyone in need, offering both medical and supportive services. We’re a one-stop shop, so to speak, for thousands of individuals and families to have access to care,” said Rob Baird, Director of Fundraising and Events at Evergreen Health.
Western New York’s Dining Out for Life event typically raises more than $100,000 – last year the event raised $131,000 – and Baird credits the success of the event to “generous Western New Yorkers who enjoy eating out – everything from casual to fine dining – and the fact that participating in Dining Out For Life is so easy.”
Additional information about the event, as well as a full list of participating restaurants, is available online at www.DiningOutForLife.com/WNY.
To learn more about Evergreen Health, watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuYvAAonoOg.
