Dining Out for Life Returns to Raise Funds for Nashvillians Impacted by HIV/AIDS

Make plans for tomorrow, April 20, to take part in Dining Out for Life, the large fundraiser for Nashville Cares and the nonprofit's efforts to support Nashvillians affected by HIV/AIDS. The annual event depends on the generosity of local restaurants that donate a portion of their day’s food sales, and in some cases alcohol receipts, to Cares. Support their efforts by making a reservation at a participating restaurant, eat and pay your bill. It’s just that simple!

Cares has prepared a handy-dandy participating restaurants list. The roster is sortable by meal, and you can find a spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner if you want to make a difference three times. You can also check to see if a restaurant is offering carryout — more like DIFL, am I right?

Sort the list by the percentage of donation. All the participating restaurants deserve praise for taking part during a period when every dining dollar helps business. Some are going above and beyond: Ian Wrigley has committed 100 percent of sales at Fenwick’s 300, and that Maher Fawaz is sending 75 percent of the day’s proceeds from Kalamatas, Santo and Epice. I’ve had friends that have volunteered to serve as hosts at Kalamatas in the past, and rather than flit from table to table greeting donors, Fawaz asks that his volunteer hosts grab a bus tub and clear plates so they can turn tables faster and raise more money. That’s someone who is definitely committed to the cause!

Your dining choices range from fine to casual, pizza to hot chicken, coffee to cocktails. There are even a few food trucks participating this year with Retro Sno and Cousins Maine Lobster parking for the day. Eat early, eat often and eat a lot! You’ll be supporting a very worthy organization.