ATLANTA—Taste of Life, the annual food and wine tasting event benefiting Living Room, Inc., a nonprofit agency that helps low-income families and individuals affected by HIV acquire and maintain safe and affordable housing, will be held Saturday, June 8, from 8 to 10 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, 3773 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta.

Guests will sample a wide assortment of foods and wines and have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and participate in several raffles during the evening. It is an all-volunteer effort that involves contributions from local restaurants and caterers, wine, beverage and spirit distributors, local businesses and musicians who provide the entertainment. Members of the Holy Cross AIDS ministry produce and staff the event.

The result is a festive evening full of variety and opportunities for interesting surprises. Contributors include local restaurants Nicola’s and Violette.

When people living with HIV/AIDS have stable housing, research indicates that their health is better overall and their medical costs are lower. They are less likely to be exposed to contagious diseases and more likely to receive regular medical care rather than using expensive emergency room services. The impact of HIV on low-income and minority populations continues to increase and Living Room anticipates an ever-growing need for the agency’s programs and services, according to Dolph Ward Goldenburg, executive director.  However, funding has not kept pace with need, and the Living Room and similar organizations depend on donations.

“We’re so grateful to the parishioners of Holy Cross and the members of the parish’s AIDS ministry for their support of Taste of Life. This fun event raises essential funds needed to serve our brothers and sisters living with HIV/AIDS, but its role in helping spread the word about our life-saving mission is just as important,” he said. “Because of Taste of Life, many more people living with HIV/AIDS will know the taste of a better life.”

The cost of Taste of Life is $50 per person and $90 per couple in advance and $55 per person and $100 a couple at the door, if tickets are still available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.livingroomatl.org.