Where Will You Dine on April 25th?

For twenty years Bruce House and The Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation have invited you to dine out for A Taste For Life.

Lise Turpin, executive director of The Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation, recalls the origin of Taste,  “20 years ago Bruce House invited us to visit with the Farah Foundation who wanted to share an idea presented to them by an organization in Philadelphia.  The concept entailed reaching out to restaurants and asking them to donate a certain percentage of their proceeds from a set date. In order to make it more appealing for restaurant owners, it was decided we would change the template. We recruited hosts with the intention of filling the seats, and the rest is history.”

2001 saw Toronto join A Taste For Life, and now communities from Alberta to Quebec participate. “The little fundraiser that could became the successful event it is today with 23 communities simultaneously raising funds and awareness for people impacted by HIV,” adds Lise,  “None of it would have been possible without the generosity of our restaurant owners and the amazing hosts who willingly donate of their time to help make a difference.”

Nothing could be simpler than dining out with friends for a good cause.  Every year local restaurant owners generously agree to donate 25% of all proceeds from the evening, and many patrons opt to make a donation in addition to their meal.  We are grateful to TD, The Urban Element, Rogers Media, and Turpin Kia, whose sponsorship ensures the success of the event by covering all costs – meaning every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services.

You can make a real difference in the lives of people impacted by HIV in Ottawa, just make a reservation to dine out on April 25 at any of the participating restaurants.  Don’t forget to fill out the prize ballot while you wait for your meal, we have fabulous prizes this year:

• 4 tickets to see Bryan Adams at RBC Bluesfest, including backstage tour and dinner.
• Overnight stay for two at the Brookstreet Hotel, including buffet breakfast and complimentary parking.
• Admission for 6 to an evening of laughs at Yuk Yuk’s.
• Star Motors gift certificates for vehicle detailing.
• Six weeks of spinning at Wheelhouse.

If you can’t make it this year,  you can make your donation online.