BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It's an event raising money for an important cause.
More than 12,000 people and 79 Western New York restaurants are participating in the 17th annual "Dining Out For Life" to raise money for HIV treatment and prevention services.
Last year's event raised $105,000 to Evergreen Health, for a total of $1.3 million all-time. It's believed there are 3,400 Western New Yorkers living with HIV
Here's how it works:
- 25 percent of proceeds from participating restaurants go to Evergreen Health
- KeyBank will match dollar-for-dollar, money donated by diners the night of the event, up to $15,000
- Helps Evergreen Health provide medical care to 1,500 Western New Yorkers
- Lyft will offer a $7.16 discount off a ride to a participating restaurant that originates or ends in Western New York between 5 pm and midnight when entering the code DINEOUTBUF19 in the Lyft app.
Matthew Crehan Higgins of Evergreen Health says they are working to get more people tested and sharing their status, along with helping the HIV-positive population of Western New York.
Jason Woods of Misuta Chow's in Buffalo says,
just to be accepting, everyone wants to live life, enjoy themselves, everyone should be accepted you know.
For a full list of participating restaurants click here.
