Dining With Friends

Feb. 20 is the date for Dining With Friends, a fundraiser for RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network) in which folks host dinner parties in their homes, then meet for Champagne and dessert at the McColl Center for Visual Art uptown. Hosts bring the money they collect from their diners to the finale. Some events are also open to the public, so don't fret if you're not already in; you can attend the Snuggie Ball at The Forum (create a fashion statement with a Snuggie, wear it, then donate it to those who need the warmth), a "Jersey Shore"-themed night at Town Tavern, a cocktail-attire BlackFinn event or an open party at Hartigan's. Each accepts donations at the door. You can also attend only the finale and donate there.

Among the restaurant sponsors are Basil, Cosmos Cafe, Soul, BlackFinn, Dandelion Market and Tic Toc Diner.

Organizing chair Amy Pickard says she expects 500 to 700 people to participate, and you can find more details and information (and donate, if you can't attend) at www.carolinarain.org/diningwithfriends.