Positively Living, the organization I spotlighted a couple of months ago holds their major fundraiser today and they need your help! What do you have to do? Enjoy a good meal (and maybe even a good drag show!) and a large percentage of the proceeds will flow their way. Income from the fundraiser goes directly to their Hope Fund and Hope Respite Fund. Funded by donations, these funds help meet needs in the community which might otherwise be missed. From the previous article:
It allows them to help with life needs not covered by other funds, like replacement tires, “or to get the washing machine repaired, or for durable medical equipment that isn’t otherwise covered or any emergency scenario.” The Hope Respite Fund is to put clients in an extended stay hotel in the case of an emergency. It covers people, for example, who are released from the hospital and need to not be on the street in that condition.
Founded in 1996 to serve those with HIV, it has continued to be a dependable resource to that community, and has greatly expanded its services over the years. Now providing testing, medical care, follow-up, pharmacy support and many other life-giving services, the organization has offered a life-line to many people in our community. It has expanded to offer services in Chattanooga, Memphis and Upper Cumberland.
While a similar local project years ago focused on raising money for Knox Pride, for the first time, Positively Living is joining the national movement of Dining Out for Life, hosted by many cities during June, celebrated nationally as Pride Month. Area restaurants were invited to share a percentage of their profits with Positively Living and a number (including some downtown and near-downtown) responded.
Steve Jenkins, CEO of Positively Living said,
We’re thrilled to bring Dining Out for Life to Knoxville for the first time. Not only does this event raise awareness for HIV, but it also brings customers to local restaurants. The donations from each restaurant will go directly to creating healthy and inclusive communities.
So . . . get busy! You can even buy a ticket for a drag show with your dinner if that’s your thing. Here are the options FOR TODAY ONLY:
All Day Options:
- Bistro at the Bijou, 807 S. Gay St., 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 50% donation\
- Farmacy, 5018 Kingston Pike, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., $500 donation
- Sticky Rice, 120 Jack Dance St., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 10% donation
Breakfast Options:
- South Press, 3615 Chapman Highway, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 25% donation
Lunch/Dinner Options
- Abridged Burger Truck, 213 E. 5th Ave., 12:30-8:30 p.m., 25% donation
- Abridged Oak Room, 109 W. Anderson Ave., 4-10 p.m., 50% donation
- Frothy Monkey, 419 S. Gay St., 5-9 p.m., 25% donation
- Harvest, 141 S. Gay St., 6:30 p.m., drag show and dinner, $50 per ticket sold donation (Tickets Here)
- Xul, 213 E. 5th Ave., 12-10 p.m., 5-10% donation
I’m proud to be one of the presenting sponsors of this event, along with MoxCar Market + Communications, and WVLT-TV. This organization helps so many of our neighbors who desperately need the help. I hope you’ll dine out today and support them.