Taste of the South End Raises Funds for AIDS Action

On March 4, Boston's community will come together for the 19th annual Taste of the South End, raising funds for the AIDS Action Committee. Attendees will enjoy small plate culinary creations from 40 of the South End's most vibrant restaurants. The popular event will also feature live cooking demonstrations, a silent auction and raffle, extensive wine tasting and beer sampling.

"For the price of an evening out at one of the popular eateries in the South End, you can taste gourmet bites from 40 of the neighborhood's best restaurants and meet the masterminds behind them," said Rebecca Haag, CEO of AIDS Action. "Best of all, you'll be raising money for an excellent cause."

Haag explained that this event supports the critical work AIDS Action does in combating the AIDS epidemic by eliminating new infections, improving the health of those already infected, and attacking the root cause of HIV/AIDS. Their work has contributed to the state's reduction of new HIV diagnoses by 52 percent since 1999, which will save Massachusetts more than $2.4 billion in health care costs related to treating HIV.

"The Taste of the South End is the event we most look forward to all year," said Joanne Chang, pastry chef and owner of Flour Bakery + Cafe. "The positive energy among attendees and participating restaurants is contagious. It's inspiring to see so many people supporting AIDS Action and its mission."

The Host Committee for the Taste of the South End includes Gordon Hamersley, Andy Long, Bill Emery, Bryan Rafanelli, Jasper White, Chris Primiano, Ciara Hunt Francis, Devan Dewey and David Gagne, Douglas Spencer, Greg Welch, Harry Collings, Jay Philomena, Karen DeTemple, Kathy Burns, Kevin Bernier, Andy Husbands, Kevin Powers and John Wolfarth, Michael Wong, Rebecca Haag and Mary Breslauer, Nancy Farrington, Rachael Goldfarb, Eain Williams, Scott Beane, Joanne Chang, Shagha Tousi, Shaunya Thomas, Wendy Goldstein Pierce, and Felicidad Hochmuth.

This year's principal sponsors are Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Macy's. Other sponsors include Eastern Bank, AEW, Eaton Vance Investment Managers, Whole Foods Market, Whitney Towers, ASF, Martignetti Companies, Samuel Adams, and Clarke.

A partial list of 2014 participating restaurants include: Cinquecento, Metropolis Caf�, Aquitaine Bar a vin Bistrot, Gaslight Brasserie du Coin, Union Bar and Grille, Hamersley's Bistro, Flour Bakery + Caf�, Five Horses Tavern, Stella, The Gallows, DaVinci Ristorante, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Stephi's on Tremont, Summer Shack, Tremont 647 & Sister Sorel, Picco, Mela, Back Bay Harry's, Petit Robert Bistro, Formaggio Kitchen South End, and Haley House Caf�.

AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts is the state's leading provider of prevention and wellness services for people vulnerable to HIV infection. It provides services to one in six people in Massachusetts living with an HIV diagnosis. These services include HIV counseling and testing; needle exchange; mental health counseling; housing assistance; and legal services.

AIDS Action works to prevent new HIV infections, support those affected by HIV, and tackle the root causes of HIV/AIDS by educating the public and health professionals about HIV prevention and care; and advocating for fair and effective HIV/AIDS policy at the city, state, and federal levels.

Founded in 1983, AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts is New England's first and largest AIDS service organization. In 2013, AIDS Action formed a strategic alliance with Fenway Health that will allow the two organizations to work more closely together and improve delivery of care and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. Learn more at www.aac.org.

Taste of the South End takes place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on March 4 at the Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama, 539 Tremont Street in Boston. Tickets are $100; VIP admission is $150. Proceeds benefit AIDS Action. For tickets or information, visit http://action.aac.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_taste