Whether you’re new to Dining Out For Life® or have dined with us for years, I challenge you to think of a better way to spend a Thursday dining out for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

On Thursday, April 30 thousands of caring individuals in WNC will join with the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) for the 13th annual fundraiser. Participating restaurants all over the region will be generously donating 20% of their proceeds for the day to the organization and just by picking up a fork, you can help save a life.

Dining Out For Life^® (DOFL), voted #1 Fundraising event in the Best of WNC 2014, will take place in seven counties of WNC with restaurants in Asheville, Arden, Black Mountain, Brevard, Candler, Hendersonville, Maggie Valley, Saluda, Spruce Pine, Sylva, Waynesville, Weaverville, and Woodfin. You can join over 55 cities in the US and Canada to help support their local AIDS organizations.

Since 1986, WNCAP has provided HIV/AIDS Outreach Education & Prevention programs across 18 counties in WNC, and case management services to those affected by the disease. Dining Out for Life^® is a vital fundraiser necessary for WNCAP to carry on their critical services throughout our region.

Last year, DOFL raised more than $176,000 in a challenged economy to help with the shortfall of funding at the federal and state levels, while expanding much needed services to other counties. Consider your participation as a win-win-win situation for everybody — a win for you as you enjoy a great meal out, a win for the restaurant of your choice, and a win for the clients of WNCAP and future generations who will continue to benefit from their many prevention programs.

This year, Subaru of America, DOFL national sponsor, has partnered with celebrity designer Mondo Guerra, of Project Runway, for their Love Responsibly social action campaign. Together they are working to encourage patrons in cities all over the country to get involved, support Dining Out For Life^®, and “Love Responsibly.” You can see more about the campaign at www.takepart.com/love-responsibly.

“Volunteers and sponsors are key to the success of any event of this magnitude” says Harry Brown, veteran volunteer chairperson for Dining Out for Life. “This year the community has really stepped up in support of WNCAP thanks to over 250 Ambassador/Volunteers, our generous sponsors and the best restaurants in Western North Carolina.”

Call your friends, clients and neighbors and put together a gathering at your favorite restaurant, or use this opportunity to try a new restaurant. As an added bonus this year, you will have an opportunity to win several great prizes including roundtrip airfare tickets for two, plus other exciting prizes just for dining out.

Make your plans now to dine out on Thursday, April 30 and you just might help save a life!

For a complete list of sponsors and other participating restaurants, please visit www.wncap.org/dofl