Dining out is always a treat. But next week, every bite you take at some of Milwaukee’s best restaurants will mean even more.

That’s because Dining Out For Life, the nationwide fundraiser that supports people living with and affected by HIV, is back and bigger than ever. Milwaukee’s 2025 edition stretches across three full days, Sept. 18–20, followed by a joyful after-party on Sunday, Sept. 21 at Club Charlies.

From casual bites to sweet indulgences and fine dining, you’ll find something for every appetite. Even more, every dollar spent helps Vivent Health provide essential prevention, care and treatment services at a time when federal healthcare cuts threaten to roll back decades of progress.

Why Ono Kine Grindz is all in

For Guy Roeseler, who co-owns Ono Kine Grindz with his partner David Lau, this cause is deeply personal.

“When I first moved to Milwaukee, I didn't have insurance and Vivent Health picked up the tab and gave me a sliding scale so I could afford health care,” he recalls. “Then, during the intermediate years I had Obamacare, which covered my medication with no problem.”

But when Roeseler transitioned to Medicare Advantage, his reality changed.

“The HIV medication that I take is $56,000 a year, with a copay of $1,400 a month after what they pay,” he says. “That's a little intimidating. But without flinching, once again, Vivent stepped in and is using the money they raise with events like Dining Out For Life to help people like me who are caught between insurance and payment.

"It’s amazing to me. They have always been wonderful and I’m very grateful — and we’re thrilled to be able to give back.”

For Roeseler, it’s also about honoring those who didn’t live long enough to see these days. “At 65, I am grateful to still be here, alive and creating. So many of my friends and previous generations never had that chance. I must give back because I won’t stand for the plague gaining ground.”

Dining for change

Vivent Health’s impact is undeniable. Wisconsin patients receiving care through their model reach viral suppression rates of 95%, including 93% of Black patients and 97% of Latinx patients. That’s far above national averages, where suppression rates drop to 60–65%.

“These outcomes are possible because Vivent doesn’t just treat HIV,” notes Vivent Health President and CEO, Brandon Hill, PhD. “We address the realities of poverty, insurance gaps and stigma. Dining Out For Life is a delicious way to reclaim communal power, resources and hope.”

Where to dine

This year’s lineup features some of Milwaukee’s most beloved dining spots, with more to be added. Some of the highlights include:

• Thursday, Sept. 18: Bavette La Boucherie, Ono Kine Grindz, Lakefront Brewery, Odd Duck, Antigua, Sanford
• Friday, Sept. 19: Forage (Market, Pewaukee & Whitefish Bay), Amilinda, The Pasta Tree
• Saturday, Sept. 20: Midwest SAD, Melt Chocolates, Goodkind, Mother’s, Purslane
• Sunday, Sept. 21: After Party at Club Charlies, 2–6 p.m., with drag performances and plenty of community celebration

Check out the up-to-date, growing list of participating venues at diningoutforlife.com/city/doflmke.

And just remember – next week, whether you’re grabbing lunch, splurging on a date night or indulging in a box of chocolates, you’ll be nourishing more than yourself. You’ll be helping to sustain life-saving care for your neighbors right here in Milwaukee.