AIDS Benefit Foundation Invites Columbia to “Paint the Town Red” for 2009 Dining with Friends
April 8, 2009COLUMBIA, SC – April 8, 2009 – The AIDS Benefit Foundation (ABF) of SC reminds Midlands-area residents that there is still time to register for the annual Dining With Friends event, now in its 17th year of raising funds for HIV/AIDS organizations throughout the state.
Currently, there are over 40 parties of all sizes planned throughout the area, and the ABF hopes to top that number by April 25th, 2009, the date of the event’s grand Dessert Finale.
ABF Board President Vida Jennings comments, We are thrilled at the number of participants who have signed up so far, but at this time when non-profits are being increasingly affected by the economic downturn, it is even more important that we have the largest number of host parties possible so we can make the maximum impact for our grant recipients.
To host a party, interested persons should contact ABF Board Member Joseph Meachum at 803-730-3692 or 803-782-1738.
During the Dining With Friends event season individuals or groups host parties in their homes or businesses and encourage their guests to make donations to the ABF. While there is no minimum donation required, a $25 individual donation is recommended by the organization. The type and size of the party is up to the party organizer, whether it is an intimate dinner party with a few close friends or lavish theme-party with a few hundred guests.
Party hosts and their guests are then invited to a special Dessert Finale, 8pm April 25th at Palmetto GBA (17 Technology Circle, off of Farrow Road in Columbia.) Attendees of the Dessert Finale must be at least 21 years, and must present an admission ticket (received at the guest’s original party). In addition to serving as the collection point for donations received from parties, the finale offers participants a variety of gourmet desserts and coffee, an open bar and a silent auction where guests may bid on hand-painted platters by South Carolina artists, travel packages and other high-value items.
The hand-painted platters have been a centerpiece of the auction since the events’ beginnings. This year’s collection features work by such prominent area artists as Christian Thee, Susan Lenz and Bill Davis, among many others. The platters will be available for public view at CityArt (1224 Lincoln Street) during the first two nights of Artista Vista, April 23 and 24.
Dining with Friends is the primary fundraiser of the AIDS Benefit Foundation of South Carolina. ABFSC is a strictly volunteer-operated 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The foundation has no office costs or paid staff in an effort to distribute the maximum amount to a wide variety of HIV/AIDS organizations throughout the state. Approximately $60,000 was raised from the 2008 Dining With Friends event, with approximately $47,000 distributed through grants to HIV/AIDS organizations.
For more information on Dining With Friends or the AIDS Benefit Foundation of SC, please contact ABF Board President-Elect Pat Patterson at 803-414-4010 or [email protected], or visit www.abfsc.org.