Dining Out for Life will return for its 24th year next week — with a host of new participants eager to open their doors to diners.
The event will take place April 24 at more than 180 restaurants and food trucks throughout the region.
Participating venues will donate 33 percent of the sales made that day to local HIV/AIDS organizations: ActionAIDS, AIDS Delaware, Camden Area Health Education Center, Family and Community Service of Delaware County and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Last year’s event saw about 160 participating venues. New supporters were added in the city and across the region, including in Delaware County, which jumped from a handful of participants last year to 11 this year.
The 2013 event was the first for food trucks, which Burns said were a big hit.
Nine trucks joined in last year, and 11 will this year. The trucks will be set up along the 1300 block of Locust Street from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., moving from last year’s spot on Passyunk Avenue.
“It is easier for those who work in Center City to run over for lunch and grab something,” Burns said. “It makes it more accessible.”
Burns noted that, after a harsh season, restaurants were eager to welcome diners back — and give back to the community in the process.
“This winter was especially hard for restaurants because it was so cold,” he said. “People were eager to sign up and see spring come and kick start the summer season with Dining Out for Life.”
Returning this year is the 20-percent-off Tuesday special: Diners who donate $25 or more to the cause will receive a coupon for 20 percent off their meal on any Tuesday at participating restaurants.
Burns said Dining Out for Life is an event that is easy and fun to participate in.
“Who doesn’t like going to a restaurant and eating a good meal?” he said. “People who come out for Dining Out for Life really appreciate the significance of the event. People really appreciate how important it is and pay attention to what we are doing.”
For more information, visit www.diningoutforlife.com/philadelphia.