Dining Out For Life® returns to Greater Palm Springs on Thursday, April 23, inviting residents and visitors to support HIV care simply by enjoying a meal, a drink, or a treat at participating local establishments. Presented locally by Desert Care Network, with community partnership from the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, the beloved annual fundraiser unites restaurants and diners across the valley in support of DAP Health.
More than just a culinary celebration, Dining Out For Life is a powerful community effort. Participating restaurants, cafés, bars, and bakeries pledge 33% to 100% of their total sales—not just profits—directly to DAP Health’s HIV services and essential health care programs. Diners can take part at breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, late‑night, or even by grabbing coffee or cocktails. Every bill makes a difference at no extra cost to the customer.
“Dining Out For Life shows how local businesses and community members can work together to support access to care,” says DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “By participating, diners help ensure people in our region have access to HIV prevention, treatment, and other essential health services.”
The event is part of an international movement spanning the U.S. and Canada. Since 1991, Dining Out For Life has raised more than $100 million for HIV service organizations, with all funds staying in the communities where they are raised. Greater Palm Springs has become one of the top‑performing regions in North America, ranking in the top three fundraising cities in recent years. In 2025 alone, 65 local establishments helped raise nearly $240,000 from more than 20,000 diners.
Local businesses continue to lead with generosity. Palm Springs’ beloved Townie Bagels has famously donated 110% of its sales each year it participates. “From the day we opened in August 2015, the Greater Palm Springs community has supported us,” says co‑owner Bill Sanderson. “Participating in Dining Out For Life is one way we can give back.”
Funds raised support a wide range of DAP Health programs, including free HIV testing, HIV specialty care, PrEP services, mental health care, dental care, housing assistance, and other supportive services. DAP Health now serves nearly 80,000 patients across Riverside and San Diego counties, including individuals facing barriers such as lack of insurance, housing instability, and limited transportation.
Dining Out For Life also plays a key role in raising awareness about HIV prevention. Today, effective treatment allows people living with HIV to achieve an undetectable viral load—meaning they cannot transmit the virus sexually, a fact known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). Preventive medications like PrEP further reduce new infections, making HIV prevention more achievable than ever.
“With the tools we have today—education, treatment, and prevention—new HIV infections are preventable,” Brinkman says. “Events like Dining Out For Life help raise awareness while supporting people who need care.”
Community members can participate by dining in or ordering takeout from any participating restaurant on April 23. Supporters are encouraged to make reservations early, visit multiple locations throughout the day, and spread the word to friends, family, and coworkers.
For the full list of participating restaurants—or to learn how to become a Dining Out For Life location—visit daphealth.org/dofl.