Tuesday will mark the 11th annual "Dining Out for Life" in Buffalo. This annual fundraising event brings the local restaurant community together to serve up meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offer a portion of the proceeds to help an agency that is fighting and caring for those with HIV & AIDS.
WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says this year's chair of "Dining Out for Life" was touched by what he witnessed at Evergreen Health Services in Buffalo.
"That was the thing that struck me actually is when I went on this tour of Evergreen Health Services to see the facility that they have down there, and how effective it is," said Tommy Lombardo, Jr., chair of Dinning Out for Life.
Lombard is the youngest ever to head Dining Out for Life in Buffalo, following in the footsteps of his parents. He talked with us while sitting at the bar area of his family's restaurant -- Lombardo's on Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo.
Lombardo says he was very impressed with the medical services and behavior services Evergreen provides to patients and families with HIV/AIDS.
"Someone comes in and they get diagnosed. They find out they have HIV or AIDS and they don't fall through the cracks because all they have to do is send them down the hallway for treatment. They don't have to send them across town. That is a really important distinction to make," said Lombardo.
Evergreen is now considered a one-stop-resource center, with on-site primary care medical doctors, nurses a pharmacy, plus a comprehensive nutrition center, housing assistance and even a food pantry. It's all at the facility on South Elmwood Avenue in the city.
Kathy Oczek is vice president for advancement at Evergreen.
"When someone comes to us with HIV or AIDS or is even at risk for the disease, we have virtually everything, every support in place to help them live a healthy life, make the right choices and stay on a path of good health," said Oczek.
Evergreen has been providing programs since it started in 1983 at a time when AIDS first came to light and a great deal of stigma was attached with much prejudice and discrimination directed at those who suffered from AIDS.
The center always encourages testing, but is very focused on the "high-risk" groups.
"Many of our clients, predominately there gay men. But we also have a large Latino population that's effected...African American women," said Oczek.
Oczek said the agency also participates in a number of recent studies, including a vaccine study.
Evergreen has expanded beyond serving the HIV/AIDS population. It now boosts a wellness center and reaches individuals suffering from other chronic health issues like as diabetes and heart disease, and serves over 8,000 in our area.
"The fact that they are growing, that they are meeting a need, and they can do more," said Lombardo.
Another reason Lombardo was so impressed as he chairs and promotes Dining Out for Life.
"They have counselors for people with mental health and drug issues. they have needle exchange. Getting their hands dirty...getting into the community...they have case workers that are assigned to individuals to make sure they are getting into Evergreen so they are getting the care and not missing their appointments, and making the community a healthier place," noted Lombaro.
Inside Lombardo's kitchen the smell of chopped and frying red onions filled the air.
Head chef Michael Obarka was was busy preparing some menu specials for Dining Out.
"The whole thing is an adrenal rush really, knowing that we are supporting a great cause," said Obarka.
Restaurants participating in Dining Out will give 25-percent of the cost of meals charged to customers toward Evergreen.
"I can't think of a better way to spend your money," said Lombard.
Last year along $93,000 was raised. That brings the total amount raised through the year to more than $700,000 all allowing Evergreen;s programs to grown and provide needed treatment for those with HIV and AIDS.
Evergreen's Oczek describes those they serve with AIDS are no longer preparing for their death, but how to continue to live.
"It was a death sentenced and it turned totally around, now people, even if they come to us and they are quite sick, we really can see miraculous results in them getting back to a healthy life and being able to live for many, many years," said Oczek.