Dine out, give back: San Diego restaurants unite Thursday to support HIV/AIDS services

Council President Joe LaCava and crew dined at Great Maple during last year s event The restaurant is participating again this year Photo courtesy of Joe LaCava s office via X What if your morning coffee midday lunch or evening cocktail could help save lives The populace is invited to turn meals into acts of compassion during Dining Out For Life San Diego a one-day charity event Thursday benefiting HIV AIDS services provided by The San Diego LGBT Population Center at a time when funding is at stake More than restaurants across San Diego County from Oceanside to Otay Mesa will participate each donating or more of sales to the Center s robustness and wellness programs including STI screening behavioral healthcare housing and food information Elected leaders are slated to join the effort throughout the day Councilmembers Stephen Whitburn and Marni von Wilpert will kick off the morning at Breakfast Republic in Hillcrest where of proceeds will benefit The Center Later Councilmember Jen Campbell will dine at Lotus Thai and Mayor Todd Gloria will gather with his crew at Uptown Tavern from to p m Staff from The Center will also visit Mariposa Ice Cream which is donating half of its proceeds that afternoon For those unable to join in person there is an opportunity to assistance The Center through its Fundraising with Friends initiative Founded in The Center is one of the nation s bulk robust LGBTQ organizations providing a wide range of programs focused on wellness wellness and advocacy Last year the organization recorded over amenity visits according to its website For a full list of participating Dining Out For Life San Diego locations go to thecentersd org dofl-locations For more information about The Center go to thecentersd org