Why You Should Dine Out for Life: Alayna Sands


ActionAIDS Dining Out for Life ambassadors open up about how HIV/AIDS has affected their lives, and why you should dine out for life on April 24th. Today: Alayna Sands. 

My name is … Alayna Sands

What’s your Philly connection?
I grew up in Tucson, Ariz.; however both my parents are from Philadelphia. I moved to Philly about seven years ago, after attending school in Pittsburgh, and it has been home ever since.

What do you do for work?
I work in Human Resources.

The biggest thing I have learned from my experience with HIV/AIDS is …
It has motivated me to be compassionate. You may have HIV/AIDS and consequently endure some additional struggles. Yet you can still choose to live your life with dignity — and there are supportive communities out there who will help you.

Any Dining Out for Life restaurant recommendations?
The Gold Standard. They have good food and a great staff that will take care of you. There’s also Garces Trading Company. I love everything about that place.

In three words, describe the perfect dining out experience …
Family, friends, food!

This year’s edition of DOFL comprises 150 restaurants and a host of food trucks that will donate 33 percent of that day’s earnings to local HIV-fighting organization, ActionAIDSFor more info on participating restaurants and to make reservations, go to diningoutforlife.com/philadelphia.