The Art Institute of Charleston presenting sponsor of Dining With Friends – When Making Dinner Makes a Difference Celebrating 17th Year

(Charleston, S.C.-April 2, 2009) The Art Institute of Charleston joins Lowcountry AIDS Services to present Dining With Friends.  Now in its 17th year, this massive fundraising effort involves hundreds of people across the Lowcountry joining forces to host dinner parties in their homes, churches or workplaces raising money to benefit those with AIDS while celebrating life and “dining with friends.”

“Having The Art Institute of Charleston come onboard as presenting sponsors for this year’s event is very exciting and such a great fit.  The Art Institute of Charleston offers degrees in the culinary arts and Dining with Friends is all about food, community and sharing,” says Bradley Childs, Lowcountry AIDS Services Executive Director. “We really count on the support of our community when dealing with such a devastating public health concern.”

On or before May 2nd, 2009, all members of the community are encouraged to throw a party, inviting friends and letting them know they will be able donate to this worthy cause.  By attending a party and donating to Lowcountry Aids Serivices, they become part of a fundraising effort that helps our neighbors in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The type of party and the menu is up to the hosts. Anything goes — from Black Tie to Barbecue!  LAS will provide invitations, ideas and everything you need to know to host your event.  LAS helps HIV+ individuals with counseling services, doctor appointments, access to medications, housing, legal assistance and more.

To celebrate the dinners and donations, The Art Institute of Charleston hosts a dessert and champagne reception  on Saturday, May 2nd, 2009, from 9:00 p.m. -11:00 p.m. Dining with Friends hosts should bring the collective donations and join us the party  at the Charleston maritime Center featuring live music provided by The Minimun Wage Band.

If you are unable to donate financially, then you can donate your time by volunteering at the Finale or putting up posters for the event in the coming weeks. Please send your contact information to: information@aids-services.com or call 843-747-2273.

Gracious Dining with Friends Sponsors include: The Art Institute of Charleston, Charleston Magazine, Lotus Flower, Nelson Printing, Gil Shuler Graphic Design, Limehouse Produce, Signs Plus, Pearlstine Distributors, All Occasions, 95SX, Bloom at Charleston Place - Ty Leslie, Sunhead Projects, David Boatwright – Poster Artist, A Party Hearty.

About The Art Institute of Charleston
Founded in 2007, The Art Institute of Charleston is a branch campus of The Art Institute of Atlanta, which has a long tradition of preparing students for careers by providing a challenging educational environment that responds to changing technologies and the needs of the marketplace.  The Art Institute of Charleston is building on this proud tradition of commitment to students and to providing the creative and technical skills demanded by today’s employers. The Art Institute of Charleston campus also offers both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees (depending on the area of study) in Culinary Arts, Wine, Spirits & Beverage Management, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Photographic Imaging and Digital Filmmaking & Video Production.   

The Art Institute of Charleston is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.