09/08/09 HIV Vaccine Researcher, Business Leaders Head AIDS Walk
AIDS Walk RI, slated for Sunday, October 25 in Providence, is being headed by four medical and business leaders.
The walk, starting and ending at Roger Williams National Memorial on North Main Street in the city, benefits AIDS Project RI, a division of Family Service of RI.
Anne De Groot, M.D., director of a new institute for vaccine research at the University of Rhode Island (I'C ubed), co-founded the Global Alliance to Immunize against AIDS. She works to improve access to health care in Providence through Clinica Esperanza and Mali (Hope Center Clinic), and is CEO of EpiVax, which is developing vaccines to fight against HIV, tuberculosis, smallpox and other disease. Dr. De Groot was honored by the Providence Business News in 2009 during the publications Business Women Awards program.
Roz Rustigian is the owner of V. George Rustigian Rugs, a Providence store specializing in wall-to-wall carpet and handmade oriental rugs. She is a former board member of AIDS Project RI and has been an active fundraiser and event coordinator for non-profits.
Guy Ableson, who served for 20 years on the AIDS Project RI board of directors, is a well known caterer and events consultant in Rhode Island. He’s owned four restaurants in the Providence area over the years, and is a celebrated philanthropist, most recently receiving a “Circle of Stars” award from The Providence Center.
Deborah Norman is the owner of Rue De L ’Espoir and Rue Bis restaurants in Providence. She has been profiled in Providence Business News, and Rue De L’Espoir has received attention in numerous travel books and magazines including Esquire, Weekending in New England, and others.
“We are fortunate to have these community leaders co-chair AIDS Walk 2009,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, CEO of Family Service of RI. “They were involved with AIDS Project RI before it merged with us last year, and continue to help fund it as it serves people living with HIV/AIDS throughout Rhode Island.”
The walk will be 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) and will take place rain or shine. For more information or to create or join a walk team, visit www.aidsprojectri.org. Cardi’s Furniture, a longtime sponsor of the AIDS Walk, is the principal sponsor this year.
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