This summer would mark our third anniversary participating in the international Dining Out For Life fundraiser.
However, given the impact of COVID-19 on our community and clients and the ever-developing challenges and demands Alliance faces to ensure the delivery, quality, and impact of our services, we will not hold the event this year.
Initially planned for April, then re-conceived as a virtual event – Dining IN For Life – scheduled for July 30, the event has been (and will be again!) a wonderful way to convene friends, colleagues, Alliance staff and Peers, along with our corporate and restaurant partners to eat, celebrate, and support the work we do. This year we will not have this opportunity. But, that doesn’t mean that we don’t need the funds.
In the spirit of “Dining” together, we ask that you contribute to Alliance’s Coronavirus Support Fund, a fund that directly addresses the painful and compounding issue of food insecurity amplified by the virus: www.alliance.nyc/giving. 100% of your donation will go to support our food and nutrition initiatives.
Our work, providing a range of care services to New Yorkers living with HIV and other chronic illnesses, substance use, and homelessness has always been essential. This year, under the cloud of COVID-19 where our community has been particularly hard hit, it is critical. And it requires grit, ingenuity, and resources—human and financial.
Despite the necessities of social distancing, program reductions, and facility closures or limitations, Alliance has been on the streets, in our harm-reduction van, and on the phone (calling over 6,000 clients weekly!).
Alliance trained staff and our powerful legion of Peers are:
· screening for COVID-19
· evaluating essential physical, medical, and emotional needs
· helping to determine plans of action
· providing boxed meals
· delivering pantry items
· issuing gift cards for food to the homebound/isolated
· offering harm reduction services, HIV and HepC testing, free condoms, and syringe exchange
· making certain that our locations adhere to strict safety standards
· being that voice that simply says “I’m here…”
In advance, thanks for your understanding and your help. A contribution of even $10 or $20 will make a difference, put food on what might otherwise be an empty table, and even put a smile on someone’s face (albeit under a mask ;). www.alliance.nyc/giving
Feel Better. Live Better. Do Better.