If you plan on going out for dinner only once this month, make sure you aim for April 28th. The SHARP Foundation and participating restaurants are making a difference for individuals affected with HIV/AIDS.

According to Karyn Baggs, Donation Coordinator for the SHARP Foundation, Taste for Life “is a unique fundraising event [that] began in Philadelphia and has been held successfully in many communities in Canada and the United States. The concept is simple, the visibility is high, and the cause is recognized and endorsed throughout the community.”

Participating restaurants donate 25% of their gross earnings of the evening to SHARP. All you need to do is make reservations for dinner on April 28th at one of the following participating restaurants: Chicago Chop House, Escoba Bistro and Wine Bar, Fiore Cantina Italiana, Los Chilitos Taco &Tequila House, Moxies 17th Avenue, The Coup, The Gypsy Bistro-Wine Bar, or the Metropolitan Grill.  Address information for these restaurants can be found on the Taste for Life website.

The SHARP Foundation cannot serve its purpose without the generosity of the LGBT community. Its mandate is simple. “We provide care and support for community’s most marginalized citizens infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.”

In an effort to give much needed respect and care to those in needs, the Sharp Foundation works directly with these individuals to make sure this happens. On top of financial challenges that patients face, they may also suffer from mental health problems, substance addictions, etc.  Sadly, with limited space, many patients who need hospice care do not qualify.

The SHARP Foundation hopes that A Taste for Life will substantially contribute to a $1.2 million initiative for their new projects: Independence House, Project Kathleen, and other projects.  All of these projects are a result of an urgent need to house, counsel, and properly medicate marginalized individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

“Independence House – currently SHARP has 21 people on its waitlist for services. The building of Independence House is of urgent need and is being supported by the Calgary Housing Company. This project will provide support to couples in need of SHARP’s medical, spiritual, physical, and social programs.”

“Project Kathleen – this housing project will focus on the needs of highly marginalized females living with HIV/AIDS.”

“Capital Projects and Admin support – with growth of its services SHARP will require additional funds for administrative support (i.e. case workers, nurses). The need for renovations and capital are ongoing.”  

Last year in Toronto, A Taste for Life raised over $100,000. The Sharp Foundation is hoping for the same in Calgary. Make sure to make your dinner reservations today.