Ari's Safari 2015: A meal for a cause

Last year Mark Rotolone and Vanessa Diana, proprietors of Vine Restaurant in New Farm, lost their four-year-old son Ari to mitochondrial disease, a progressive chronic illness without a cure that causes debilitating physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities.

After Ari's death, the couple set about fundraising the best way they knew how - with food. With help from fellow restaurateurs, they set up and ran "Ari's Safari", a progressive dinner that quickly sold out and raised $21,000 for the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

"We fundraise because there is no cure and no answers," Rotolone says. "Over a year has passed since we lost Ari and there has still been no definite cause. We wanted to make a difference and held find answers."

"Ari's Safari" is returning this year and sees diners travel between venues by double-decker bus with a course and drinks held at each venue, including Kwan Brothers, Vine Restaurant Bar, E'cco Bistro and Chester Street, followed by an afterparty at Fortitude Valley's Alfred & Constance.

Rotolone says they are aiming to raise $30,000 for the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.

This year's Ari's Safari will be held on Monday, June 15, with tickets priced at $195.

To make a donation to the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation go to amdf.org.au/donate.