Restaurants Needed to Sign up For Dining Out for Life

AIDS Project Rhode Island is looking to recruit a few more restaurants to participate in this year’s Dining Out for Life event, which raises money to support the organization — and offers Rhode Islanders a chance to enjoy some of the best restaurants in the state and help a good cause.

This year, for the first time, three co-chairs will be featured during the event: Mario Hilario of NBC10, Jamie Coelho of Rhode Island Monthly and none other than David Dadekian of EatDrinkRI.

“Once again, we are honored to have NBC 10’s Mario Hilario join us,” said AIDS Project Rhode Island’s development director Julie Casimiro. “His involvement has been critical to helping us raise awareness of the event and HIV/AIDS,” she said. Mr. Hilario has been anchoring NBC 10 Weekend Sunrise since 1997, is an Associated Press award winner, and is a five-time Emmy award nominee.”

Hilaro, whose smile and calm demeanor greets many Rhode Islanders each morning, said the event has become a celebration of spring “as people across the state support the fight against HIV and AIDS by visiting a participating restaurant and enjoying a meal. Let’s hope we won’t be still shoveling snow!”

This year’s event will be April 30. Participating restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds that night to AIDS Project Rhode Island. In return, the organization works to fill those restaurants with customers. It ends up being a win-win for all.

So far, SpeakEasy Bar & Grill in Newport, Hose Company No. 6 and Rasoi in Pawtucket and several Providence restaurants have signed up. But the event needs more restaurants to make it a major success.

If you’re interested, call 401-519-2289 or email Julie@aidsprojectri.org.

Restaurants typically donate 25 to 50 percent from each dinner check or checks from all meals on that day. Or, a flat amount can be donated.

Last year, 30 restaurants participated.