Our work is important, and our stories are real and compelling.

Dining Out for Life 2012 Press Center

For more information, please contact Kristin Conover by email.

Even though we work primarily behind the scenes, preparing and delivering thousands of fresh, nutritious meals every day to homebound Atlantans suffering from critical or chronic illnesses, we have some very compelling stories to tell.

As you can imagine, some of these stories will tug at your heartstrings, while others will downright inspire you. If you'd like to hear more, just let us know. We'd be proud to tell you more about the people that make Open Hand so much more than a meal.

2011: GOVERNOR DEAL PROCLAIMED APRIL 27 DINING OUT FOR LIFE DAY IN HONOR OF OPEN HAND

Governor Deal proclaimed April 27, 2012 DIning Out for Life Day in honor of Open Hand! Pictured, left to right, are Roz Tucker, Open Hand Director of Volunteer Services; Open Hand Board Member Todd Tautfest; longtime Open Hand supporter, 11Alive's Evelyn Mims; Governor Deal: Open Hand Board President Jackie Yeaney; and Open Hand Executive Director Stephen Woods.

2011: DINING OUT FOR LIFE TO BENEFIT OPEN HAND

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION THIS ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY BY DINING OUT TO BENEFIT OPEN HAND

Enjoy Great Food with Friends, Family and Co-Workers for a Great Cause

Atlanta – On Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the 19th Annual Dining Out for Life event, Open Hand’s largest annual fundraiser, will be hosted at more than 100 metro Atlanta restaurants. For those that enjoy a meal at participating restaurants, 20% or more of their total check will go towards supporting the community nutrition programs of Open Hand.

AutoTrader.com is the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event, taking place on Administrative Professionals Day. Businesses are encouraged to show their appreciation for these important staff members by treating them to a meal at a participating restaurant. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this is an ideal opportunity to bring together friends and families not only for a meal, but for a great cause. From kickball teams and social clubs to church and youth groups, these restaurants are eager to provide diners with a fun dining experience to benefit Open Hand.

Open Hand is a nonprofit organization that provides medically-appropriate meals and nutrition education to homebound seniors and individuals living with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, cancer and disabilities associated with these chronic or critical illnesses. Open Hand, commemorating its 23rd year of service to the community, has grown to become the nation’s largest provider of home-delivered meals – preparing, packing and delivering more than 5,500 meals daily across 17 Georgia counties.

Members of the Dining Out for Life Executive Committee include Karen Canavan PR, Leigh Catherall of Here to Serve Restaurants and Open Hand Board member, Open Hand Board Member Sally Dorsey, CNN’s Holly Firfer, 11 Alive’s Evelyn Mims, Walt Phelps of Koncept Design Studios, Christine Pullara of Atlanta & Company, Steak Shapiro of 790 The Zone and Open Hand volunteer John Thompson.

Last year, participants raised nearly $150,000 to benefit Open Hand. On April 27th, diners across Atlanta will have more than 100 participating restaurants to choose from to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, making this an ideal time to visit an old favorite or try something new! For a full list of participating restaurants, visit www.DiningOutforOH.org. More dining destinations are being added everyday.

For more information, go to www.DiningOutforOH.org or call 404-419-3333.

More About Open Hand

Open Hand is the only community-based nonprofit organization providing Comprehensive Nutrition Care℠, which combines nutritious, medically-appropriate meals with nutrition education, therapy and coaching for homebound seniors and underserved individuals struggling with chronic, critical or terminal illness. For more information, visit www.projectopenhand.org.

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Photo Caption: Sushi, tapas, cocktails and 20 % of the bill going to charity – what more could one ask for on a fun night out?! Jackie Yeaney, President of the Board of Directors for Open Hand, thanks Twist Executive Chef Peter Kaiser for an wonderful night for Dining Out for Life Supporters.

Dining Out for Life International

Dining Out For Life® is an annual fundraising event involving the generous participation of volunteers, corporate sponsors and restaurants all over the country. In 1991, Dining Out For Life® was created by an ActionAIDS volunteer in Philadelphia. Dining Out is now produced in over 55 cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Open Hand Atlanta is the licensed organization for Dining Out for Life in the metropolitan Atlanta area. The Atlanta event takes place on April 25, 2012.

PRESENTING sponsor