Sonoma County’s annual Dining Out for Life will take place Thursday, organizers said.
Dining Out for Life is a nationwide fundraising event that invites diners to eat at participating restaurants, which in turn donate a portion of each check to local nonprofits serving people living with or impacted by HIV.
More than 70 restaurants across the county will participate in this year’s event, which will benefit Food For Thought, a nonprofit founded in Guerneville in 1988 by John Manley.
At the time, medical treatments for AIDS were extremely limited, and Manley — who lived with AIDS himself — saw people not only dying from a lack of treatment options but also from hunger.
To address the growing food insecurity he witnessed, he founded a food bank. Today, the Forestville-based nonprofit serves anyone living with serious medical conditions who need nutritional support and medically tailored meals. Food For Thought’s clients include people living with HIV, cancer, diabetes and heart disease; pregnant mothers; and their caregivers.
Organizers hope to raise $225,000 from restaurant receipts and donations from diners.
Participating businesses range from casual diners like The Twins Restaurant in Cotati to the Michelin-recommended Glen Ellen Star in Glen Ellen. Coffee shops, distilleries, bakeries and wineries are also taking part.
“Community has always been at the heart of Glen Ellen Star,” said Spencer Waite, the restaurant’s managing partner. “Dining Out for Life lets us support vital local services and use good food to make a real difference. We’re proud to take part this year.”
To encourage additional giving, organizers are holding a raffle. Every donation of $35 or more will receive an entry into the drawing and a special card offering 20% off food or winery experiences at select participating businesses every Tuesday in 2026.
Prizes include a $500 Oliver’s Market gift card, a tour and tasting at Griffo Distillery, a two-night getaway in Guerneville, and more.
More information, including a list of participating restaurants, is available here.