Philadelphia, we have a delicious legacy to celebrate.

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Dining Out for Life® returns for its 35th anniversary, marking over three decades of incredible impact, community connection, and truly mouthwatering meals. Organized by Action Wellness, this citywide dining tradition brings together over 40 of the region’s most iconic restaurants, uniting Philly’s culinary elite with a shared mission: to support individuals living with HIV.

This isn’t just another dinner date. It’s the dinner date of the season.

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🌈 From Fork to Fundraiser: The Power Behind Your Plate

Let’s be real — Philly loves to eat. We invented the cheesesteak, we debate pizza joints like it’s a sport, and we show up hard for restaurant week. But Dining Out for Life predates them all. This isn’t just the oldest dining event in the city — it’s the blueprint for every food-focused fundraiser that followed. Since its founding in 1991, DOFL has spread to over 50 cities across North America, raising over $4 million annually.

And it all started right here.

For one night only, your dinner bill becomes a lifeline. Participating restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds to Action Wellness, supporting more than 2,000 clients and families living with HIV. In a city where 18,000 Philadelphians are living with HIV, these services are not just helpful — they’re critical. From medical case management and housing assistance to perinatal and prison aftercare programs, Action Wellness is quite literally changing — and saving — lives.

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🍽️ This Year’s Menu? Absolute Fire.

Ready for the glow-up of the year? The 2025 line-up is a culinary who’s who — from legendary names to trend-setting newcomers:

Highlights include:

• Barclay Prime – steakhouse dreams meet charity realness
• Buddakan – for when your sushi deserves a photoshoot
• The Love – perfect for a romantic night that also changes lives
• P’unk Burger – flipping more than patties in East Passyunk
• Talula’s Garden – local, seasonal, and soul-soothing
• Stina, El Vez, DaVinci & Yu, Wilder, Sophie’s BBQ and dozens more

From fine dining and cozy BYOs to hip brunch spots and fire-grilled BBQ joints, there’s a table (and taste) for every queer, ally, friend, and foodie in Philly.

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👬 Why This Night Feels So Damn Special

As someone who’s been dining out for this cause for years, I can tell you: it’s more than food. It’s connection. It’s love. It’s seeing a friend across the room you haven’t caught up with in ages. It’s clinking glasses with your partner while remembering the strength of our community. It’s being part of a movement that says no one gets left behind.

Kevin Vuernick from Action Wellness said it best:

“You always see a longtime friend or acquaintance dining out to support the cause… it’s always so rewarding.”

Add to that the legendary vibes from participating restaurants, the delicious pressure of choosing where to go, and the joy of knowing your night out just made a difference? That’s a damn good Thursday.

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💖 How to Get Involved

• Make a reservation. Seriously, tables fill up fast. Don’t be left out.
• Dine out on April 24. Breakfast, lunch, dinner — pick your pleasure.
• Post your meal. Use hashtags #DOFL2025 and #DineOutEndHIV to spread the word.
• Donate more if you can. Envelopes will be at restaurants, or donate at diningoutforlife.com/Philadelphia.
• Volunteer. Want to help in person? Become an ambassador and be the face of fabulous giving.

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🎉 Celebrate 35 Years of Impact

To all the restaurant owners, servers, chefs, volunteers, diners, and do-gooders who’ve made Dining Out for Life what it is — this is your standing ovation. You’ve helped raise over $5 million in Philly alone and turned dining into a radical act of care.

And to everyone else: come join us. Bring your appetite, your heart, your people — and get ready to eat well, do good, and make history.

See you at the table, Philly. 🥂