More than 50 area restaurants participate in Dining Out for Life fundraiser
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — An annual event celebrated a big birthday Thursday.
Twenty-one years ago, Dining Out for Life served up its first big fundraiser for the LGBTQ community in Hampton Roads.
More than 50 restaurants across the seven cities donated a portion of their sales Thursday to the LGBT Life Center.
No Frill Bar and Grill has participated all 21 years and served a full house.
“I pulled out the rainbow polyester,” said Lauren Rodgers of No Frill Bar and Grill. Rodgers manned a packed bar as LGBT advocates sold raffle tickets and spoke with patrons.
“I think it says a lot to be a part of the community,” Rodgers said. “Giving back to the community in Ghent, saying that we care a lot about the diversity of the different people. It shows how big our heart as a restaurant is, how big our heart is as a community here in Norfolk. I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
LGBT Life Center CEO Stacie Walls told 10 On Your Side that the money raised funds the organization’s HIV and AIDS programs.
“It’s one of our largest fundraising events of the year and raises money while also supporting local restaurants,” Walls said. “Our organizations was born out of the HIV epidemic. We used to do just HIV prevention and education and now we are doing so many more things to support people who are living with HIV, sexual health education, supportive housing, pantry, transportation, pharmacy services, we have medical case management. People who may not have known us before will know us now just from being in a restaurant. That’s community support at its best.”
The LGBT Life Center’s goal is to raise $80,000.
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