Dining Out for Life

Left: the donation envelopes (via Instagram - user wilderbahn | Right: Aprons worn by volunteers to give out envelopes, stickers, and pens (photo courtesy of Alaya White)

Dining Out For Life is a fundraising dinner that was founded in Philadelphia by ActionAIDS in 1991 and has expanded to over 60 cities in North America.  This year's event occurred on Thursday, April 25th, at an incredible number of the participating restaurants. Volunteers helped spread awareness of the fundraiser and answered questions about the organization.  A third of each diner’s food bill was donated to local AIDS service organizations, and the volunteers helped raise additional contributions from individual patrons. Anyone that donated $25 or more is eligible for 20% Off Tuesdays for the rest of the year!

Two of our AYAC members participated in "Dining Out for Life." Megan Bucknum had a wonderful time South Philly Taproom, while Sophia Lee joined ActionAIDS volunteers Marian and Alaya at Route 6.

We had a great time, and we collected many additional envelopes from generous customers. Thank you to the restaurant patrons, the restaurants, and to Megan Bucknum for sending this volunteer opportunity along to the rest of the UVa AYAC members! We are making great progress for our "13 in 2013" service initiative!

Left: the donation envelopes (via Instagram - user wilderbahn | Right: Aprons worn by volunteers to give out envelopes, stickers, and pens (photo courtesy of Alaya White)

Above: Volunteers were encouraged to make reservations and invite friends to dine out too - Route 6 has amazing food - I'll definitely be back! (via Instagram - user wilderbahn)

Above: Group Photo - thanks for sending it along, Alaya!

PHS Bare Root Tree Planting

Through the PHS-led One Million Trees initiative, UVa AYAC member Sarah Bolivar and A-School Alumna Lisa Bonitatibus volunteered with Friends of the Schuylkill River Park Tree Tenders to plant street trees, such as small cherry and maple cultivars.  It was a great opportunity to talk to passersby and residents about the importance of our urban forest.  Also, we had a great time digging pits and playing in the dirt.  If you'd like to become a tree tender in your own community, you can visit the PHS webpage.

This is just one of the many volunteer opportunities you can join for "Thirteen in 2013."

 Digging the pit and making sure the hole is wide enough for the roots to stretch

 Another pit!

Admiring our great work :D

Volunteering with Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary Park

As part of my commitment to "13 in 2013", I volunteered on Sunday, April 7th for the "Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary Park" Community Garden that is currently being set up. They are working with a grant from the city, with a landscape design by Interface Studio The plots will be ready in 2014. 

Chainsawing logs to line the edges of the sandpits

Picnic tables are looking great, you guys!

Mixing concrete to stabilize fence posts & pouring

Admiring our handiwork, and then putting finishing touches on the fence gate we built.

The Masterplan!

Written by Sophia Lee.

PHS Flower Show Volunteering!

This Past Sunday, UVa AYAC PHL volunteered at the PHS Flower Show in their "Make and Take" Room. In tune with the 2013 theme of British culture, there was a new DIY workshop this year where people got to make fasinators, fashionable floral wristlets, or magic wands. We had so much fun getting our craft on and helping visitors look pretty for the show!


Thank you to Tonya, Annie, Linda, and Michael for coming out to help. We are happy to have you on board! Also, especial thanks to our very own Sarah Bolivar who helped make this happen.

 Lovely to meet you, Tonya!

Visitors could choose from an array of flowers, leaves, and ribbons. We helped put things together with wire, hot glue, and lots of pizzazz.

 Afterwards, we were able to enjoy the show!