The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York's 8th Annual Dining Out For Life® event will be held on Thursday, April 28th. 40 area restaurants - from Plattsburgh to Hudson and throughout the Capital Region - will be donating at least 25% of their sales to help fight HIV/AIDS. Patrons simply have to donate their appetites on April 28th to support the AIDS Council. Even though "it ain't broke," the AIDS Council is still finding ways to improve the event: Despite being one of the area's most popular and successful dining events, the AIDS Council has added six new restaurants, a new 20% Off Tuesdays card, and two new Facebook contests.

"We're always looking for ways to make this amazing event even better," said Richard Nacy, the agency's Director of Development & Marketing. "The genius of this event is its simplicity. All you have to do is pick a restaurant and go out to eat; that's it. It's an event that people look forward to year after year, which is why we're always trying to add something new."

In addition to this year's six new restaurants, the agency is adding two new Facebook contests to the mix. "We want to make this event as interactive as possible. It's great publicity for the participating restaurants, and it's fun for the patrons. That's where Facebook comes in," said Nacy. The Post with the Most contest asks diners to visit the agency's Facebook page and post which participating restaurant they plan to dine at on the 28th. For the Picture Yourself… Winning contest, diners are asked to take a photo of their Dining Out for Life® table or venue and email it to the agency. Winners will be selected randomly from all submitted entries, and will win a $25.00 gift certificate to the participating restaurant of their choice.

Also new to the event this year is the 20% Off Tuesdays card. Anyone who donates $25.00 or more on their prize drawing entry envelope will receive a 20% Off Tuesdays card by mail. This card entitles the diner to 20% off at select participating restaurants between June 1, 2011 to April 1, 2012. People who are unable to attend the event can still receive a 20% Off Tuesdays card by donating $25.00 or more via the agency's website, www.aidscouncil.org.

Restaurants are participating in Albany, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Hudson, Latham, Plattsburgh, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Scotia, Slingerlands, and Troy. Visit www.aidscouncil.org/help/dining-out-for-life/ for the complete list of participating restaurants. Diners will also have the chance to win several prizes by dining out including a trip for two to Atlantic City courtesy of Yankee Trails World Travel.