On Tuesday, September 29th, President of The Bahamas AIDS Foundation Lady Camille Barnett officially announced the eagerly anticipated 22nd Annual Red Ribbon Ball, the largest fundraising event of the year for the AIDS Foundation. It will be held on November 14 in the grand ballroom at the Atlantis resort, beginning with cocktails at 7 p.m.
This year’s exciting theme, “A Night of Luxury”, promises an evening of lavish fun, frolic and indulgence, featuring luxurious additions that include tables with complimentary bottles of Moet & Chandon Champagne, courtesy of Red Ribbon Ball partner Commonwealth Brewery, special balcony seating for only eight “Luxe” tables and personalized service.
This year’s sparkling entertainment will feature local favorites such as the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Pop Band, Fred Ferguson’s Tingum Dem Band and DJ Killa Bee, as well as some surprise performers.
Besides Commonwealth Brewery, the foundation has received vital support from other very kind corporate donors, including Cable Bahamas, Pictet Bank and Trust, Colina Insurance Limited, Commonwealth Bank and the British Colonial Hilton. This year, again through the generous support of another corporate donor, John Bull, one lucky raffle winner will enjoy a $10,000 John Bull luxury shopping spree. Gift certificates from John Bull will also be won by a guest at each table.
As in previous years, Zamar is donating state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and services for the ball, promising, in the words of Kay-Andra Gardiner, the vice-president and director of sales for Zamar, spectacular sound, lighting and staging to add to the evening’s glittering ambience that will be created by Bahamas Fantasies’ breathtaking décor.
According to Marva Jervis, the director of the HIV/AIDS Center, as of December 31, 2013, there were 13,082 HIV-infected people in The Bahamas. From 1985 to 2013, there were 4,618 deaths and as of the end of December 2013, 8,440 people in The Bahamas were living with HIV/AIDS.
While major breakthroughs and progress have been made in reducing the number of people who die or are infected with HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas, due in large part to the work done by the AIDS Foundation, the public must remain vigilant in the fight to eradicate HIV and AIDS.
The Red Ribbon Ball provides financial support for this important, life-saving work, including education and awareness about HIV and AIDS, support and advocacy for persons living with HIV/AIDS and training and research to assist in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Also benefitting from the Red Ribbon Ball are the Adolescents’ Outreach Programme, World AIDS Day activities, the purchase of special medications, and the Men’s Health Initiative. Additionally, plans are underway to expand the foundation’s Delancy Street headquarters and the ball will be a major source of support for that much-needed expansion.
Lady Barnett also emphasized the AIDS Foundation’s support for UNAIDS’ goal of “Getting to Zero” - zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination.
To attend this fantastic and worthwhile event, tickets can be purchased from the AIDS Foundation’s Delancy Street offices. To reserve yours, call them at 325-9326/7.
Ticket prices begin at $250 per person. A standard table is priced at $2,500. Other premium options include silver sponsors at $3,250 per table, gold sponsors at $4,250 dollars per table, and platinum sponsors at $5,500 per table. The fabulous luxe sponsors’ tables are limited to only eight and are $7,500 per table.
Half and full page ads in the Red Ribbon Ball keepsake book are $600 and $800, respectively, and the high profile inside back cover is $1,200.00.
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