NBC 10's Mario Hilario Chairs HIV/AIDS Fundraiser

Longtime NBC 10 news anchor and reporter Mario Hilario is chairing this year’s Dining Out for Life ® event benefiting AIDS Project RI on Thursday, April 25 at participating restaurants across the state.

He’s been anchoring NBC 10 Weekend Sunrise since 1997, has won an Associated Press award, and is a five-time Emmy award nominee. He also volunteers his time at a number of nonprofit organizations.

“Mario is beloved in Rhode Island, and we are most fortunate to have his assistance this year as we work to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Rhode Island and to raise funds to prevent its spread and to help people living with HIV/AIDS,” said event coordinator Amy Stein.

AIDS Project RI executive director Thomas Bertrand, MPH, pointed out that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one of five people living with HIV in the United States do not even know they are infected. “Funds raised via Dining Out for Life help AIDS Project RI conduct community-based HIV testing to help people know their status,” he said.

“I am honored to chair this important event that brings about awareness of HIV/AIDS as well as raises funds for HIV testing, education and prevention efforts, and to care for people infected with HIV,” said Mr. Hilario.

Many restaurants have signed up  to donate a portion of their Thursday April 25 sales to AIDS Project RI. “We continue to sign up restaurants, so that number will likely change every day as we approach the event,” said Ms. Stein. An ever-changing list of participating restaurants may be found here.

“We ask everyone to take a look at the list and make a point to dine out at one or more of the participating restaurants on that day,” she said. “These establishments are supporting the fight against AIDS, so we’re asking the community to support them.”

AIDS Project RI is a division of Family Service of RI.