More than a dozen bars, lounges and coffee houses will participate in the Third Annual Bar AIDS Philadelphia next month (Sept. 27), donating a percentage of the day’s sales to four local AIDS organizations - ActionAIDS, AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, Mazzoni Center and Philadelphia FIGHT.

Though the event’s previously been held in August, the organizers of Bar AIDS 2012 have high hopes to surpass last year’s fundraiser by pushing it back this year. “The move to September allows more locations to participate, not to mention city residents who spend their summers at the shore,” says Matthew Vlahos, a public relations spokesperson for the event. “Universities are back in session in September, too.”

One of the best parts of the fundraiser is that you don’t have to visit a bar to make a difference. The non-drinker and lunch crowds will also have a chance to donate money at cafes all over town. Even coffee counts.

Bar AIDS got its start in Chicago seven years ago and is now taking place in three cities nationwide. In each city, including Philly, the fundraising is similar to the popular Dining Out for Life event in which a portion of proceeds are donated to these local AIDS organizations. All four provide services for thousands of men, women and children impacted by the disease each year.

In the U.S. alone, someone is infected with HIV every 9.5 minutes. And Pennsylvania ranks as sixth in the nation in the number of people infected with the disease.

A complete list of participating Bar AIDS locations will be available on each of the beneficiaries’ websites in early September – we’ll also provide a detailed guide as soon as its available.

Want more information about how to particpate? Call 215-981-3328 or connect with Bar AIDS Philadelphia on Facebook and Twitter (@BarAIDSPhilly).