Saturday, May 1st  individuals and groups around Charleston will come together in support of Lowcountry AIDS Services (LAS) for the 18th annual Dining with Friends presented by the Art Institute of Charleston. Between now and May 1st, guests are invited to throw a dinner party where the type of party and the menu is entirely up to the hosts. Anything goes — from Black Tie to Barbecue!
 
Hosts are provided with invitations, donation envelopes, red ribbons and party tips, and will be asked to have their guests provide donations to LAS. These guests will be able to donate as little or as much as they would like, but all will become an integral part of a fundraising effort that helps our neighbors all throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry. "With the recent drastic state budget cuts to HIV/AIDS funding, we are really relying on the support of the community to dig deep and joining us in raising much needed funds," says Bradley Childs, Lowcountry AIDS Services Executive Director.
 
All dinner parties will unite for a champagne and dessert finale while overlooking Charleston’s beautiful waterfront at the Charleston Maritime Center on Saturday night. From 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. guests are invited to enjoy an array of desserts provided by Sugar Bake Shop, Charleston Cookie Company, Publix, Justin's Kitchen and many more. The evening’s entertainment will feature local jazz and blues singer and go-to Lady of Soul, Ann Caldwell and friends.
 
This is a massive fundraising effort for LAS where hundreds of people will join forces to host dinner parties in their homes, churches or workplaces to raise money and of course have a good time dining with friends! If you are unable to donate financially, then you can donate your time by volunteering at the finale or putting up posters for the event in the weeks beforehand.
 
Gracious Dining with Friends sponsors include: Art Institute of Charleston, Whole Foods, Charleston Magazine, Lotus Flower, Nelson Printing, Gil Shuler Graphic Design, Limehouse Produce, Signs Plus, Pearlstine Distributors, All Occasions, 95SX, Jessica Crouch – Poster Artist. This event is free to hosts and guests.
 
To learn more about Dining with Friends please contact information@aids-services.com, 843.747.2273 or visit www.aids-services.com.