October 9, 2024
Customers can dine in or order takeout from more than 40 restaurants across Western New York to support Evergreen Health’s HIV Care and Prevention Services
BUFFALO, NY, – Dining Out For Life – WNY, the region’s largest annual HIV fundraiser, will be held on Wednesday, October 9 across Western New York. More than 40 restaurants will participate by donating a percentage of their sales to Evergreen Health, a federally qualified health center look-alike that provides medical, behavioral, and supportive services to individuals and families living with chronic illness or who are underserved by the healthcare system.
Ristorante Lombardo and Fat Bob’s Smokehouse are the 2024 Dining Out For Life Honorary Co-Chairs. KeyBank is the presenting sponsor for the ninth consecutive year and will match additional contributions to Evergreen Health made by diners, dollar for dollar, the night of the event – up to $12,000.
Dining Out For Life – WNY has raised more than $1.5 million to provide medical and supportive services for those in Western New York living with HIV since 2003. HIV is a treatable chronic health condition, and with treatment, people living with HIV can lead healthy lives. Evergreen Health is committed to providing accessible HIV Care and Prevention Services throughout Western New York serving more than 1,750 patients living with HIV in 2023.
The goal of HIV treatment is to bring patients to an undetectable viral load and Evergreen Health leads viral suppression across New York State federally qualified healthcare facilities with 91.6% of patients virally suppressed and 98% of patients living with HIV on medication.* Evergreen is also the leading provider in Western New York of PrEP (short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a prescription drug that, when taken as directed, greatly reduces your risk of becoming HIV positive.
In addition to contributing via a food or drink bill, Dining Out For Life – WNY participants are also welcome to make separate donations to support Evergreen Health’s HIV prevention and treatment services.
“We’re so excited to kick off the 22nd year of Dining Out For Life and we’re proud to partner with Ristorante Lombardo and Fat Bob’s Smokehouse as co-chairs of the event to expand awareness of Evergreen Health’s services,” said Steve Jagord, director of advancement, Evergreen Health Foundation. “Through partnerships like Dining Out For Life, and continuous awareness and donations, Evergreen Health is able to provide unconditional care for those in our community.”
“We are proud to once again support Evergreen Health by serving as presenting sponsor for Dining Out For Life and matching donations made by diners to this worthwhile cause,” said Michael McMahon, KeyBank Buffalo Market President and Regional Executive. “Many in our region rely on the critical health services that Evergreen offers. We encourage everyone to join us in helping them provide medical, supportive, and behavioral services to individuals and families in Western New York by dining out at a participating restaurant on October 9th.”
“Hosting Dining Out For Life at Ristorante Lombardo and The Little Club is not just a tradition for us, but a heartfelt commitment to our community. It’s incredible to witness how our collective efforts can directly benefit Evergreen Health, ensuring the local health center can continue essential work,” said Tommy Lombardo, owner and host, Ristorante Lombardo and The Little Club. “Dining Out For Life reminds us that every plate served can help change a life, and I’m proud to be part of such a compassionate and impactful initiative.”
“We have found great value in participating in Dining Out For Life for over 20 years. This has been a unique way to support Evergreen Health by activating the community to dine out while allowing us to turn around and financially support the organization,” said Patrick Ryan, owner, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse. “It is a win-win for both of us while creating a fun night out with friends and family.”
Dining Out For Life – WNY is part of the national Dining Out For Life annual dining fundraising event through which, by dining out at local restaurants, patrons donate to community-based organizations serving people living with or impacted by HIV. In Western New York, 25 percent or more of food and drink purchases are given to beneficiary Evergreen Health to fund HIV services.
Donations to Evergreen Health’s HIV services made in October will be entered to great raffle prizes, including iPad Pro, donated by Brian Szkatulski at Danahy Real Estate, two round-trip tickets courtesy of JetBlue, a dining package to Ristorante Lombardo and a takeout package from Fat Bob’s Smokehouse.
Additional information about Dining Out For Life, including the full list of participating restaurants, is available at www.diningoutforlife/wny.
*Based on data from 2023