AVOL’s Dining Out For Life initiative includes more than 60 restaurant

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – AVOL Kentucky announced Wednesday their annual Dining Out For Life® event Thursday, September 16.

This year’s installment of the organization’s yearly signature fundraiser is highlighted by more than 60 amazing restaurants.

Participants will be able to make a meaningful impact on eradicating HIV in the Commonwealth and provide housing for the medically vulnerable, including persons living with HIV through DOFL through these options:

• Donate online anytime at www.dineoutlex.com
• Dine-in or order carry-out/curbside pickup from one of their dedicated and community-minded restaurant partners on Thursday, September 16
• A complete list of partner restaurants can also be found at  www.dineoutlex.com

“I never cease to be in awe of the resolve Lexingtonians have to love and care for their neighbors in need,” said AVOL Executive Director Jon Parker. “Our restaurant partners, sponsors, and the community inspire our team daily to seek out new and meaningful partnerships and opportunities which allow us to fulfil our mission and make the Bluegrass a better place for all.”

In keeping with AVOL’s mission to end HIV in Kentucky and provide housing for the medically vulnerable, all funds raised through DOFL will be used to:

• Ensure more people who are living with HIV know their status
• Decrease the number of new HIV infections
• Ensure more people living with HIV are connected to, reconnected to, and maintain proper medical care
• Achieve and maintain viral suppression for those currently living with HIV
• Eliminate health disparities and HIV stigma

“Dining Out For Life allows AVOL to raise critically needed funds while making people more aware of the good work being done by our volunteers and staff in the communities we serve,” Parker added.

AVOL provides extensive outreach, education, access to free HIV testing, prevention, and connectivity to care.

For individuals living with HIV, AVOL responds to and develops new housing opportunities which address critical housing needs.

Stable housing as a direct impact on health outcomes. Individuals who are stably housed are more likely to achieve viral suppression and healthy living.

DOFL, founded in 1982, is now produced in 60 cities throughout the United States and Canada, with more than 3,000 restaurants donating a portion of their proceeds from their designated day of dining.

AVOL has hosted Lexington’s since 2009 and has raised more than $1 million locally through Dining Out For Life which has provided a host of services to thousands, including benefits and resources counseling, case management, housing, and food and nutrition assistance to low-income individuals.