Customers turn out for “Dining Out for Life” fundraiser
People flocked to bars and restaurants in the Coachella Valley Thursday for one of the biggest fundraisers locally. It’s all for the annual “Dining Out for Life” fundraiser.
Fresh bagels are being bagged at Townie Bagels in Palm Springs, as the morning crowd enters for breakfast. It’s a typical morning, but this time their meal matters more than usual.
“It’s a great day, and a great way to support the community and giving 110 percent makes the community come here first,” Andy Wysocki, an owner of Townie Bagels, said.
The bagel shop is one of the over 70 restaurants and bars participating in the annual fundraiser. It’s a nationwide event raising money for aids service organizations. Locally, the money is benefiting the Desert AIDS Project (DAP). Last year, about $230,000 was raised, the third most in the entire nation.
“I think we know that this community is filled with big-hearted people. We’ve got a lot of non-profits doing great work,” Steven Henke, community development director for DAP, said.
At Ristretto coffee shop, a 100 percent of sales were being donated. Customers with their morning joe were more than happy to flash their badge of honor, a sticker that said “I DINED” as a mark of pride.
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“It means that we’re taking care of a lot of people that are less fortunate,” Jim Ilardo of Palm Springs, said. “Everyone sees the glamorous rich side of Palm Springs, but there is another side.”
“There’s more charities, there’s more philanthropic people in the desert, cause they’re coming from different places and they’re used to doing this so it’s just an amazing community to give back,” Chris Ruetz of Palm Springs.
Henke said the money raised will help, any patient in need who’s dealing with AIDS or HIV.
“50 new people walk through our doors every day looking for that compassionate care and fundraisers like this make sure that those doors stay open and they stay open wide,” he said.
A wide-open door made possible by breaking bread.
A full list of participating restaurants and bars can be found here.
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