NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Eighth Annual Toast To Life Is Kismet Benefiting Resource Center Of Dallas

The eighth annual Toast to Life will feature some of Dallas’ hottest chefs and over 200 silent auction items to raise awareness and money to support the Resource Center of Dallas.

Kismet - one of the most under-utilized words, meaning fate or fortune, seems an especially befitting description and appropriate when talking about the eighth annual Toast to Life gala at the flagship Neiman-Marcus store in downtown Dallas. On Saturday, February 25, 2006 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Neiman-Marcus downtown, the eighth annual Toast To Life will feature some of Dallas’ hottest chefs and over 200 silent auction items to raise awareness and money to support the Resource Center of Dallas. A United Way agency, the Resource Center operates the AIDS Resource Center, Nelson-Tebedo Health Resource Center and the John Thomas Gay & Lesbian Community Center.

Kismet applies when the list of companies supporting the fundraiser is reviewed: the customer-savvy Neiman-Marcus who set the standard for customer service, Barefoot Winery –who in addition to being named an IMPACT hot Brand in 2003 and 2004, has a string of Gold metals for its California line of wines – and the list of Dallas chefs featuring cutting edge culinary creations for the event reads like a who’s who of Premiere Dallas dining. Chefs Daniele Puelo of Daniele Osteria and Abraham Salum of Salum Restaurant recently opened restaurants chosen for D-Magazine’s ten best new restaurants list, while Doug Brown of Amuse, who has been recognized by D-Magazine as a breakout chef of the year, lead The Wyndham Anatole’s Nana restaurant to its first ever five star rating.

For over 20 years, the Resource Center of Dallas has provided critical assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Programs offered by the Center include food and nutrition, medical insurance assistance, women’s health services, dental services, medical case management and clinical trials of promising new drugs. In addition to services designed to empower and support those living with HIV and AIDS, the Resource Center of Dallas also provides anonymous and confidential HIV testing and counseling and cutting-edge HIV prevention programs targeting high-risk populations, which include youth and ethnic minorities.