CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- To help local restaurants survive the coronavirus pandemic, two nonprofits that serve people affected by HIV are planning a solidarity dinner to give back to dozens of local eateries who have donated to them in the past.
Dining Out For Life Chicago, a yearly fundraising event where restaurants donate a large percent of their sales to a local HIV service organization, is being hosted by TPAN, an Edgewater nonprofit that serves those who have HIV for the one-day event.
On April 30, over 60 citywide restaurants will take part in the solidarity dinner, which aims to support the independent restaurants hit hard by the pandemic who have generously supported the fight against HIV and the local LGBTQ communities in years past.
"Dining Out For Life Chicago calls upon Chicagoans to support the restaurants who have generously given back to our LGBT and HIV-affected communities, as they weather the Illinois shutdown to prevent COVID-19," wrote the Philadelphia-based nonprofit in a press release.
To participate in the virtual dinner, you can order carry-out or delivery meals and post images of your dinner with family or friends to social media, tagging Dining Our For Life Chicago, their DOFL restaurant, and #DOFLchi.
Though the fundraiser to benefit TPAN is postponed to the fall, the restaurant partners are in critical need of community support and solidarity right now, said the organization. The Solidarity Dinner is taking the place of the originally scheduled DOFL Chicago's event.
"These businesses have given back to our community for years. Now it's time we stand by them," said TPAN Board Chair Michael Murphy.
Some of the restaurants include Ann Sathers, Hopleaf, Elixir, EL Nuevo Mexicano, both Chicago Diners location, Yoshi's café and more. For a complete list of restaurants and more info, including which ones deliver using third-party companies, visit the event page online.
