For more than 20 years, friends have gathered in homes, workplaces and churches for a dinner party with a purpose much greater than drinks and a meal. Dining With Friends, a long-time fundraiser for Lowcountry AIDS Services, will take place on May 3. People all over the Lowcountry are invited to host a party, attend a party or attend the Afterparty for cocktails, desserts and dancing.

Party hosts simply provide dinner for their guests, and Lowcountry AIDS Services will provide invitations, donation envelopes for guests, posters and red ribbons. The style, theme, location and dinner menu are all up to the host so it can be anything from black tie to a backyard barbecue.

All hosts and their guests – plus any interested supporters – are invited to join the Afterparty from 9-12 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at No. 5 Faber, located off East Bay Street between Queen and Cumberland streets in Charleston’s French Quarter. Local restaurants will provide drinks and desserts as guests take to the dance floor to keep the party going. Those who want to attend the Afterparty only can purchase tickets for $20 at the door.

This year’s signature artwork was created by Charleston artist Robert Lange. His oil painting, “Lady in Red,” will be highlighted on posters and other materials for the 2014 Dining With Friends.

Event proceeds benefit Lowcountry AIDS Services, the only organization in the greater Charleston area whose sole purpose is enhancing the quality of life for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Lowcountry AIDS Services offers everything from prevention education and awareness to linking HIV-positive individuals into medical care, helping to secure stable housing, obtain legal assistance, and an array of other supportive services.

“South Carolina ranks ninth in the nation for new HIV infections, and, last year Charleston was identified as having one of the fastest-growing new infection rates in the state,” said Bradley Childs, executive director. “That makes events like Dining With Friends so important – we rely greatly on community support as we work to make the Charleston community a healthier community.”

To host a party, complete the online host form or contact Sean Ferneau at 843-747-2273, ext. 202 or sferneau@aids-services.com. For more information and additional details on attending the Afterparty, visit dwfchs.org.

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Event hashtag #DWFchs14