At Rounds Bakery in Reno, a smiling Sean Cary told a customer at the register, “That's $4.57, and today 100% of our sales goes to Northern Nevada HOPES to help combat HIV and AIDS." This day is so close to Sean's heart, he gave up all his proceeds today. For him, dining out for life is personal. As he told us, “I have too many friends and family members that have been affected by this horrible disease, and so we just thought it very important to really step out."
Part of the reason they're all-in on Dining Out For Life with a 100% donation is of course it raises money for a good cause, but it also opens up conversation on a disease that always needs awareness. As Cait Grose told us at Rounds, “People thought at one time that it was a lot more than it is, and it's still pretty heavy." Cait knows it to be true, the hard way: “I have 2 friends that both suffer from HIV. It's just been really difficult to see them go through everything they have to go through to deal with it and manage it."
Across town at PJ and Co., it's their 4th year giving up 20% for Northern Nevada HOPES. Their connection comes from a former employee. Owner Steve Erickson said “She was a great story, and came up through there. It was really a neat thing. She was one of the hostesses." Nearby, Dining Out For Life is why Rita Shurtliff enjoyed her eggs and potatoes at PJ & Co. Being charitable has never been so easy. As she told us, “The food here is very good." Does it taste better when 20% goes to a great organization? "Yeah, I can kill 2 birds with one stone!"
Folks were having breakfast too at Peg's downtown, which donated 25% from breakfast and lunch at all their restaurants. Waitress Amber Lee said the decision to participate for the 2nd year was simple: “Everybody at this point knows somebody who has had their life affected by it." Including some of the workers in their restaurant? "Oh yes, yes. We've had employees with loved ones with AIDS."
Back at Rounds Bakery, Shawn Cary is having a terrible day, on the books. “We are. We're working and selling everything for free today." And he said it with a smile.
Tonight you can dine-out and do some good at the same time! It's the annual "Dining Out For Life" event benefiting Northern Nevada HOPES, a nonprofit health center in downtown Reno. Today donations are going to their HIV programs and services. If you'd like to know where your dinner money will do some good tonight, check out the list of restaurants participating. Just click the link below:
