Mark your calendars! On Thursday, April 30, over 130 St. Louis area restaurants will be participating in the annual Dining Out for Life event. Restaurants will donate 25-100% of their proceeds to benefit St. Louis Effort for AIDS.

Founded in 1985 by a group of concerned volunteers, Saint Louis Effort for AIDS (EFA) began with the purpose of making a difference in the lives of individuals dying from complications due to AIDS.  Today, EFA is one of the leading AIDS Service Organizations in the metropolitan area, offering prevention education, care referral, case management, free testing by appointment, volunteer opportunities and a variety of support programs.  Their mission is to provide education on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and comprehensive support services for individuals affected by the disease, much like what the American Red Cross does with its own messages about HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

In 1991 Dining Out For Life® was created by an ActionAIDS volunteer in Philadelphia. Dining Out is now produced in over 55 cities throughout the United States and Canada. An average five to six cities are added each year.

More than 3,500 restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds from this one special night of dining to the licensed agency in their city (for us, it's St. Louis Effort for AIDS). Nearly $4 million dollars a year is raised to support the missions of agencies throughout North America.

So please, mark your calendars and take a night off, all while supporting an amazing cause!