Local Restaurants Rally for Dining Out for Life Fundraiser

Lifelong’s annual Dining Out for Life fundraising event is returning on Aug. 13, bringing together the state’s restaurant scene in support of community health and food access.

Founded during the HIV/AIDS crisis, Lifelong was formed out of a convergence of community volunteer organizations and looks to foster connections to health care, housing and independent living, food access, and medical-system navigation, according to a press release. In the last year, the organization has helped serve almost one-third of Washingtonians living with HIV, the release continued.

The one-day event is slated to feature many of Washington’s celebrated restaurants, including Tom Douglas businesses Palace Kitchen and Neb; Sea Creatures restaurant Jeffry’s; Le Caviste; Ciudad; and Lupe’s Situ Tacos.

Additional participants include popular neighborhood haunts such as Bang Bang Kitchen, McMenamins Queen Anne, Rachel’s Bagels & Burritos, Watershed Pub & Kitchen, That’s Amore Italian Café, The Lumber Yard Bar, and more. As the event draws closer, restaurants, bars, breweries, and cafés across Washington will continue to be added to the roster, the release noted.

For every meal purchased at participating locations on Aug. 13, a portion of the proceeds will go directly to Lifelong’s HIV Care and Prevention programs.

“Dining Out for Life is a celebration of the grassroots community legacy that Lifelong’s work represents,” said James Shackelford, Lifelong’s chief executive officer, in the release. “It demonstrates the compassion, support, and engagement we can accomplish when we come together over a shared meal. Every visit … helps us continue a mission that began more than 40 years ago from this very community: ensuring people have access to the healthy food and care they need to live their healthiest life.”

The full list of participating businesses can be found here.