Is there anything better than eating delicious food guilt free because it’s for a good cause?

It’s that time of year again where you can eat the best of the best while raising money for the SHARP Foundation with April’s A Taste for Life fundraiser, according to executive director Floyd Visser who says this year’s restaurant selection is juicier than ever. You could literally eat all three meals out that day while making a difference. The restaurants donate a portion of their gross earnings for the day – at least 25 per cent, but sometimes up to 30 per cent – to the foundation.

"The idea behind it is to have restaurants take part by donating portions of their food earnings for the day towards our cause, so the more people that eat that day the better," he says. "We have a variety of restaurants participating and there’s literally something for everyone – from Italian to burgers to fine dining."

Visser recommends making reservations in advance, as the event is popular and this year’s choices include Avec Bistro, The Blind Monk Pub, Blue Vinny Diner, Escoba Bistro & Wine Bar, Fiore Cantina Italiana, Gypsy Bistro, Il Sogno and Open Range.

"We’re hoping we can raise $30,000 this year and it should be a good one," he says, adding last year the event raised $23,000.

A Taste for Life is, as Floyd says, "a wonderful way of building awareness, as well as the fact we provide care and support to people living with HIV here in the community."

The international fundraiser is in its 6th year in Calgary and Visser says the quality and assortment of restaurants is better than ever, much to the delight of foodies. The SHARP Foundation is committed to providing a continuum of care including housing, healthcare, and support to individuals infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. The SHARP Foundation operates five facilities in the city where they offer services to their clients.

Visser says an important part of the event’s success is its sponsors – including GayCalgary – and he points out that TD Bank has been a flagship sponsor from the very start.

A Taste for Life takes place across the world simultaneously on Wednesday, April 22nd and, besides the delicious food offerings, there will also be prizes and lots of other fun.