Here’s the perfect excuse to dine out in Palm Springs, Chicago and Denver this week

The annual Dining Out For Life initiative, which runs each Spring, is now taking place. The fundraiser was first launched over three decades ago.

The concept is simple. You eat out at participating restaurants, and the businesses donate a portion of their profits toward helping fight HIV. Most of the money helps to boost local HIV services in the cities involved, including the funding of free testing.

This Thursday (April 23, 2026), Dining Out For Life will return to Palm Springs in California. Money raised will go to DAP Health. There are over 50 participating restaurants, ranging from bakeries and coffee shops to bistros and brunch spots.

“Dining Out For Life shows how local businesses and community members can work together to support access to care,” says DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “By participating, diners help ensure people in our region have access to HIV prevention, treatment, and other essential health services.”

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Although Palm Springs is one of the smaller cities taking part, it consistently ranks in the top three when it comes to the amount of money raised. Last year, “65 local establishments participated to raise nearly $240,000 from more than 20,000 hungry, humanitarian diners.”

One local Palm Springs business goes above and beyond to support the initiative. Each year, Townie Bagels donates 110% of its sales, meaning it adds a bit extra of its own.

“From the day we opened in August 2015, the Greater Palm Springs community has supported us,” says Townie co-owner Bill Sanderson. “Participating in Dining Out For Life is one way we can give back to the community.”

Colorado

Besides Palm Springs, Dining Out For Life also returns this Thursday (April 23) to Chicago, San Diego and North San Diego County, Tampa Bay, Colorado (Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo), Philadelphia, and Fort Myers.

In Colorado, proceeds will go to Project Angel Heart.

“Dining Out For Life in Colorado helps Project Angel Heart provide medically tailored meals at no charge to people living with HIV/AIDS and other severe illnesses,” Chief Development Officer Andrea Pacheco told GayCities.

“We have one of the most successful Dining Out For Life events in the country, and we’re incredibly grateful to our restaurant partners and supporters who participate and make more meals possible for more neighbors in need.”

Chicago

In Chicago, one of the venues participating this week is Big Gay Sal’s Pizza. Its owner, Mike Miller, told GayCities, “Dining Out For Life is a meaningful way for us to give back. Now more than ever, supporting causes like this matters—lifting up our community, giving back with purpose, and standing together to make a real, lasting impact.”

In San Diego, Urban MO’s is one of the businesses raising money. Check out a heartfelt video about their involvement below.

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Next week, on Thursday, April 30, Dining Out For Life takes place in Minnesota, Nashville, Charleston (SC), Indianapolis, Washington D.C., and Northeastern New York.

Check the official Dining Out For Life website for more information, along with dates for cities later in the year.

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