Food and philanthropy are two things the people in the Lowcountry do well. On April 26, the second yearly Dining Out for Life event is combining these strengths to raise money for the Roper St. Francis (RSF) Ryan White Program — a federally funded program that helps coordinate comprehensive medical care for people living with HIV/AIDS.

“Most people know someone affected by HIV/AIDS,” said Ella Fleming, Charleston Dining Out for Life co-chair. “Joining this palate-satisfying fundraiser will help improve the quality and availability of primary healthcare for those with HIV/AIDS.”

Federally-funded Ryan White programs have been established in many communities as a result of legislation to improve availability of care for low-income, uninsured and under-insured people with HIV/AIDS and their families. The programs honor the legacy of Ryan White, an Indiana teenager with hemophilia who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion. White died in 1990 after fighting against AIDS-related discrimination and championing efforts to educate the nation about the infectious disease.

Dining Out for Life involves the generous participation of restaurants, volunteers and corporate sponsors. With more than 20 local restaurants last year, Dining Out for Life in Charleston raised nearly $45,000.

All money raised through Dining Out for Life in Charleston will go to the RSF Ryan White Program’s Medication Endowment Fund, which provides emergency medication and medical care assistance to its patients.

For more information about Dining Out for Life, visit www.diningoutforlife.com/charleston. For more information about the Ryan White Program at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, visit www.ryanwhiteofcharleston.org.