Popular Lexington dining fundraiser returns despite funding uncertainty
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- Dining Out for Life returns Sept. 18 with support from more than 60 local restaurants
- Federal HIV support restored through 2026, but no long-term funding committed
- AVOL Kentucky raises its fundraising goal to $130,000 amid funding gap
A Lexington nonprofit announced its popular dining fundraiser is coming back, as the group continues to face uncertainty with federal funding that helps pay for HIV and AIDS testing and more.
The annual Dining Out for Life benefit is Sept. 18 with more than 60 Lexington restaurants donating a minimum of 25% of sales to support AVOL Kentucky’s mission to end HIV and help those with HIV/AIDS.
The popular local dining event comes at a time of unclear funding future, said Executive Director of AVOL Kentucky Jon Parker.
In June, the group said it was going to lose $200,000 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing, prevention and outreach by the end of the month. But Parker said in mid-July they received notice their funding was restored for one year.
“However, there are no long-term commitments beyond this period, and the restored funds will not begin until Oct. 1, leaving us with a current funding gap,” Parker said in an email. “Because of this, our Dining Out For Life goal, like all our fundraising efforts, is focused on sustainability. While we are grateful to have a little more time to plan, our priority remains long-term stability for AVOL and the people with chronic health vulnerabilities that we serve.”
Parker said they have raised their fundraising goal for Dining Out For Life goal to $130,000. The group typically raises $100,000-$115,000 to help with testing, prevention and outreach across Central Kentucky, as well as housing and other support services. AVOL provides free testing to between 1,200 and 1,500 people each year.
“We are counting on the generosity of our community to help us close the gap,” Parker said. “We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support and commitment shown toward AVOL Kentucky’s mission.”
Lexington Dining out for Life has more local restaurants
You can donate directly to AVOL or eat at one of the local restaurant or bars participating in Dining Out for Life. Some dining spots donate a minimum of 25% of their sales for one meal, some for all day and some (but not all) include drinks or gift cards in the mix. You can see options and a list of restaurants at diningoutforlife.com/city/bluegrass.
The national fundraiser, which started locally in 2009, raises money for essential services to those affected by AIDS such as education, HIV testing, access to medical care, supportive services and permanent housing programs.
Locally, there are more than 60 restaurants participating, the most ever.
“Dining Out For Life is the kind of day that shows exactly who we are as a community,” Parker said. “Friends meet for breakfast, coworkers grab lunch, families go out to dinner, and every plate fuels HIV testing, access to care, and stable housing for our neighbors. It’s generosity you can taste.”
Lexington restaurants participating in AVOL Dining Out for Life 2025
- A&W All American Food (Hamburg)
- Apollo Pizza & Beer Emporium (Richmond)
- Apollo Pizza Meadowthorpe Taproom
- Apollo Pizza Old Town Taproom (Berea)
- Arcadium
- Bespoken Spirits
- Biscuit Daddies
- Black Soil
- Bourbon n’ Toulouse (Chevy Chase)
- Bourbon n’ Toulouse (Leestown Rd.)
- Break Room at Pepper
- Chevy Chase Inn
- Coles 735 Main
- Columbia Steakhouse – Downtown
- County Club
- Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream (Clays Mill)
- Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream (Distillery District)
- Crossings Lexington
- Darling Wine Bar
- Daughters Southern
- Doodle’s Breakfast and Lunch
- DV8 Kitchen – Broadway
- DV8 Kitchen – East End
- Epping’s on Eastside
- Ethereal Brewing Public House
- Girls Girls Girls Burritos
- The Goose
- Granddam at The Manchester
- Grounded All Day Cafe
- High on Art & Coffee
- Honeywood
- J. Render’s Southern Table & Bar
- Java Jukebox Breakfast & Coffee
- Java Jukebox Cafe & Eatery
- The Ketch; Seafood, Cocktails, & Sports
- Liberty Road Cafe
- Lost Palm, Rooftop Bar at The Manchester
- Lussi Brown Coffee Bar
- Minglewood
- North Lime Coffee and Donuts (Clays Mill)
- North Lime Coffee and Donuts (Greyline Station)
- Old North Bar
- Parlour Pizza & Pints
- Pearl’s Pizza and Bagel
- Rise Up! Pizza Truck
- The Sage Rabbit
- Sam’s Hot Dog Stand (Downtown)
- Sedona Taphouse (Palomar)
- Sidebar Grill
- Smithtown Seafood
- Son Of A Burger
- Southland Bagel
- Third Street Stuff and Coffee
- Tomatoes & Flames (Mount Sterling)
- The Void Sake Co.
- West Sixth Brewing
- The Willow
- Wise Bird Cider Co./Little Fork
This story was originally published August 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
