A Fun Way To Dine, A Fun Way to Give

Dining with Friends is a fun and innovative event that raises money for the AIDS Action Coalition -an organization committed to ending the suffering of those living with HIV/AIDS through education, prevention and direct services.

The first Saturday in May, volunteers throw simultaneous dinner parties, either individually or collectively. The dinners take place at homes, businesses, and churches between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. From sit-down dinners to large cocktail buffets to backyard barbeques, the menu and style of dinner is at the host’s discretion. Dinner themes from the past have ranged from Sushi & Saki, Margaritaville, A night in Italy, to a dinner at your favorite restaurant with friends. A suggested minimum of $50 is donated by each dinner guest at each party, with all proceeds going to support the AAC.

Immediately following the dinner parties, a dessert reception is held at 8 pm at the South Hall of the Von Braun Center. The dessert reception features yummy desserts and champagne. A silent auction filled with objects from local businesses, vacation trips, and art pieces from local and regional artists builds excitement.

The night is fun and inexpensive for guests. When was the last time you went out for dinner, dessert and champagne for $50? And best of all, all contributions – including all preparations and food purchased by dinner hosts, as well as the $50 per dinner guest – are tax deductible and go to a worthy cause. Last year's event raised $97,000 for the AAC.