In 1998, Mario’s wife, Jennifer, was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy. Then in 2000, when Mario opened the restaurant in Lakeside, he started an Annual Labor Day event in conjunction with the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Mario and his staff donates all of the proceeds made and employees tips earned for the day to the telethon. In 2003, Mario’s Father and Brother (Domenic and Lenny Donato) opened a new restaurant in El Cajon (Mangia Bene) and they are participating in the telethon too.
In 2004, our restaurant was unable to participate in the annual Labor Day event due to a family medical emergency, but Pastor Tony Foglio and Sonrise Church had a fundraiser for us and raised $2,300 to donate towards the MDA cause. We'd like to Thank Pastor Tony Foglio and the Sonrise Congregation for their generous donation.
Mario's and our patrons have currently donated over $7,300 so far.
Mario and Jennifer would like to personally invite you to help support the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon by coming out to eat at Mario’s Restaurant in Lakeside every Labor Day. We'll see you there!
For 2005, the annual Labor Day event
will be taking place in two locations
on Monday, Sept. 5 from 11:00AM - 2:00PM.
Mario's Ristorante - 12440 Woodside Ave. - Lakeside
Mangia Bene - 221 East Main St. - El Cajon
Print out flyer to invite others to participate
For information about the telethon or donating, visit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) website.
(From Left: Host, Domenic, Tamberly, Jennifer, and Olivia Donato)
(From Left: Host, Domenic, Tamberly, Jennifer, and Olivia Donato)