" I wish to God that we didn't have to do this. I wish that this horrendous disease no longer existed, but it does, and we have to continue helping those affected take care of themselves."

Dining Out for Life is a wonderful international event. As with all special events, success depends mostly on getting the word out because the amount of money raised depends on how many people participate. Dining Out for Life is all about raising money for our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends and relatives who are living with HIV/AIDS. That is the sole purpose. "I wish to God that we didn't have to do this. I wish that this horrendous disease no longer existed, but it does, and we have to continue helping those affected take care of themselves." "We have to be extra generous with our time and money so that they will continue to live with dignity and care for as long as they live. "

Dining Out for Life ­ Chicago has been a very successful and fun event. Chicago is one of over forty cities that participates across the United States and Canada. The concept is so basic: Go out and eat. In the past thirteen years, thousands of people and hundreds of restaurants in the Chicagoland area have joined hands in a partnership to raise money, have fun, and give to those who need our help. On April 27, 2006, will be the thirteenth annual Dining Out for Life ­ Chicago event. They hope to have over 100 restaurants and thousands of people go out to eat, have fun with family and friends and raise enough money to assist an excellent HIV/AIDS organization do what they do best ­ help homeless men, women, and children who are living with HIV or AIDS, live life to its fullest. Chicago's benefiting agency is AIDSCARE.

Who is AIDSCARE? - AIDSCARE is a home to individuals, couples, men and women. And, while the house is structured to allow residents to move along a continuum from independent to assisted living and back, depending on their needs, and to help them access all the medical and support services they require, there is something else that makes AIDSCARE unique.

You can see it and feel it when you cross the threshold: this is a place where life is affirmed. It is a trusting, caring, welcoming environment with personal space for reflecting and relaxing, communal areas for sharing and growing, programs designed for healing and coping, an ongoing exchange between everyone who lives and works and visits here. In other words, AIDSCARE is a home.

Dining Out for Life ­ YOU can help make this a huge success. If you like to eat and have fun, please pick one of the participating restaurants and go out to eat on April 27, 2006. We have the dream of making this event a success. Only you can make it happen.

For more information and a complete listing of participating restaurants, see the Dining Out for Life ad in this issue or visit www.aidscarechicago.org

Bon Apatite!