Dine Out For Life This Thursday

(Editor's Note: Stephanie Corona is a San Jose State Journalism student who wrote this piece for Patch as part of a class assignment.)

The Health Trust’s fifth annual 'Dining Out for Life Silicon Valley' fundraising event takes place this Thursday, April 25.

On this day, participating restaurants across the Silicon Valley donate 15 to 40 percent of all lunch and/or dinner revenue to The Health Trust’s AIDS Services, the largest HIV/AIDS program in Silicon Valley. More than 1,000 low-income individuals and their families benefit from food, housing, case management and job counseling offered by Health Trust’s AIDS Services.

Forty-five restaurants will be participating this year, including the following in the Orchard City:

• Capers
• Hobee’s
• Mama Mia’s
• Sonoma Chicken Coop
• and last year’s largest contributor, Pacific Catch

Hobee’s at the Pruneyard has been participating since the first event in 2009. Assistant manager John Felix explains, “The restaurant has been opened since 1974 and everything we’re involved in we’ve been involved in since the 80s. We try to stay with it.” The restaurant will be donating a percentage of all revenue made from open to close on Thursday.

Amici’s and Park Place in Cupertino and Loft Bar and Bistro and Morocco’s in downtown San Jose have also participated since 2009. All three Sonoma Chicken Coop locations, one in Campbell and two in San Jose, are also in this year. 

Last year’s event aimed to raise $65,000, funds necessary to counteract federal budget cuts.

"We count on Dining Out for Life," says Patty Fisher, director of policy and communications at the Health Trust. “It’s our largest income of the year."

Federal budget cuts increased last year, Fisher said. Although the event brought it in nearly $50,000, Health Trust’s housing, case management, and food budgets were affected. Cuts are expected to increase again this year.

“Across the board, it’s a struggle. This money makes it possible for us to provide the services in the most cost-effective way,” Fisher says.

This year’s goal of $100,000 is ambitious but thanks to a new pre-event campaign strategy, $50,000 has already been raised. Fisher hopes this method of campaigning before the event will increase participation.

There are several ways to get involved:

• Dine solo or invite a group of friends, family, or co-workers out to eat.
• Donations can also be made at participating restaurants.
• Help spread the word, Facebook and Tweet the event.

Participating Restaurants By City

CAMPBELL

• Capers
• Hobee’s
• Mama Mia’s
• Sonoma Chicken Coop
• Pacific Catch

CUPERTINO

• 212 New York Pizza
• Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
• Park Place Restaurant 

LOS GATOS/SARATOGA

• Casa de Cobre
• Hobee's 
• Viva Los Gatos

MENLO PARK

• Amici's East Coast

MILPITAS

• Casa Azteca Restaurant
• On The Border

MOUNTAIN VIEW

• Agave
• Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
• Chili’s Bar & Grill
• Morocco's Restaurant

PALO ALTO

• Celia's Mexican Restaurant
• Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

SAN JOSE

• Amici's East Coast Pizzeria
• Arcadia Modern American Steakhouse
• Azucar Latin Bistro
• Blush Raw Bar Lounge
• Café Too!
• Castillo's Mexican Restaurant
• Chacho's Restaurant
• Fahrenheit Restaurant & Lounge
• Habana Cuba Restaurant
• Las Cazuelas Restaurant
• The Loft
• Paolo's Restaurant
• Rosie's
• New York Pizza 1285
• Sonoma Chicken Coop San Pedro Square
• Sonoma Chicken Coop Skyport
• Splash Video Bar
• The Bold Knight
• Time Delicatessen & Catering 
• Vung Tau

SAN MATEO

• Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

SANTA CLARA/SUNNYVALE

• Chromatic Coffee
• Faultline Brewing Company
• Ike’s Lair 
• Mio Vicino    

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