Gulfport restaurant owners, patrons and volunteers showed their community spirit while enjoying delicious meals on May 19 in support of Dining Out for Life, the yearly event that donates 25 percent or more of proceeds to AIDS Service Associates of Pinellas (ASAP) programs. Volunteer “ambassadors” were stationed at every participating restaurant to inform diners about ASAP programs and accept additional donations.
Greg Stemm, ambassador at Little Tommie’s Tiki and part of a group of Gulfport residents who were instrumental in recruiting volunteers, was interviewed by ABC affiliate Channel 28 news the morning of the event.
“I told them nearly every restaurant in Gulfport was participating,” said Stemm.
Diners enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings at busy Gulfport restaurants and were glad to support the cause – even those who were not aware of the event.
“I just spoke to a couple inside and they didn’t know about Dining Out For Life; they just came out for lunch,” said Jackie Ballard, ambassador at Neptune’s Grill. “They were thrilled when they found out. It is very gratifying for us all to be contributing to this important program.”
Vice Mayor Yolanda Roman ate breakfast with friends at Stella’s and was scheduled as an ambassador at Boca Bay Grille that evening.
Brian Liggins, volunteer ambassador at Stella’s, said, “Gulfport always goes out 100 percent for this event.”