As we continue to deal with the reality of HIV and AIDS, we must find new ways to gain the resources we need to fight this disease. We need to seek out new answers and different solutions for preventing HIV, while doing our best to ensure that those living with HIV/AIDS can count on the basic services they need to survive.

This is a tall order! In the last five years, many public and private funding sources have reduced their levels of support despite the fact that more and more people in San Diego County are living with HIV and AIDS.

So, in the face of ever-increasing need and shrinking public funding, we turn again to our San Diego community to help us make sure we continue to have the resources to provide services to the individuals and families living with HIV.

Although we don’t have all the answers about how we will get all the resources the fight deserves, this year I’m proud that The Center has tapped into a wonderful new opportunity to fight AIDS.

On April 26, San Diego will, for the first time, be part of Dining Out For Life®. This international event has served as a fund-raising effort for HIV/AIDS service organizations since 1991, and takes place in more than 30 cities with the support of more than 2,500 restaurants, nightclubs and coffee shops. In the past, the combined events have raised more than $2 million for HIV services and programs, and all funds raised in each community stay there. The Center’s HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs targeted at youth and Latinos will benefit from all the funds raised here.

One of the greatest things about this event is that everyone can play a role in its success (and have fun) by simply going out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee or drinks at any of the participating restaurants. These generous businesses have agreed to donate 25 percent of their food and beverage sales from that day to The Center (Flicks has announced it will be donating 50 percent of all sales!). It’s that simple – you go out with your friends, colleagues and/or family and HIV/AIDS services and programs benefit.

How much we can raise for The Center’s HIV/AIDS programs and services depends on you. The restaurants are ready, and we know that there are thousands of San Diegans who care about people living with HIV/AIDS and who want to help. We are fortunate to live in a community that is incredibly active and generous. If you are already planning to dine out, or make a donation to the effort, we thank you. And we ask that you encourage others to do the same.

More than 40 local establishments have generously agreed to serve as Dining Out For Life participants, including Antique Row Café, Bacchus House, Baja Betty’s, Bambu Bistro, Boathouse Restaurant, The Brass Rail Nightclub & Lounge, Brian’s American Eatery, Café 2121, Café Au Lait, Café Eleven, Cafe on Park, California Cuisine, Caliph Piano Lounge, Crest Cafe, Crush, DiMille’s Italian Restaurant, Flicks, Gulf Coast Grill, Inn at the Park, Jimmy Carters, Kemo Sabe, Lei Back Café, Lei Lounge, Lucky Buck’s, Lumberjack Grille, Martinis Above Fourth, The Mission (Mission Beach, North Park and SOMA), Olé Madrid, The Other Side Coffee House, Parkhouse Eatery, Pecs Bar, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, Redwing Bar & Grill, Saigon on Fifth, Santos Coffee House, St. Tropez Bakery & Bistro, Taste of Italy and Urban Mo’s.

In addition to the wonderful restaurants, bars and coffee shops that have committed to this event, Dining Out for Life is also made possible with generous support of Subaru, the Gay & Lesbian Times, American Airlines, KPBS, The Community Magazine and HIM Pix.

Everyone who makes a contribution to Dining Out For Life by May 4 will be entered into a drawing for two round-trip American Airlines vouchers. You can donate online or make checks payable to The Center and mail to The Center, Dining Out For Life, PO Box 3357, San Diego, CA 92163. For more information, visit www.thecentersd.org and click on Dining Out For Life. Your generosity will mean so much to so many.