It's going to be an affair to remember -- from the entertainment, to the prizes to be won, the 18th Annual Red Ribbon Ball--a masquerade affair will be one that should not be missed."What will make this year's ball different is the fact that it is a masquerade ball, so it's automatically fun," says Colina corporate communications administrator, Suncher Outten." And the entertainment is stellar. High Tide is a lively band and we have Veronica Bishop and Funky D - and Veronica is really hot right now."

Outten says the fact that everyone will receive a gift and won't go home empty-handed, from the Saturday, November 12 affair at the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis. Even if they don't win a raffle prize, she says being given a gift makes it that much more interesting.

With the theme "Removing the Mask," the person with the best mask at each table will also win a prize. Each table winner goes into a pool to be judged with the best male and female masks chosen from that pool to win even more prizes.

Those people who attend the Red Ribbon Ball specifically for the raffle prizes are in for a treat with four trips up for grabs from American Airlines to London, the Caribbean, Montreal, Canada and South America.

John Bull has donated a freshwater pearl necklace, bracelet and earring set, as well as his and her Movado stainless steel watches with diamond dial.

There is a Grand Isle Resort & Spa vacation, along with airfare from Bahamasair to be won as well as jewelry by Venetian Jewelers, Colombian Emeralds and Diamonds International. Stays at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel and the Wyndham Nassau Resort are also to be had. Colina Insurance will give each ball attendee a gift as well.

While the ball will be about fun and prizes to be won, it's being staged with a serious message in mind. And this year, in a symbolic gesture, aimed at standing together with people afflicted with AIDS or who are HIV positive, patrons at this year's masquerade-themed Red Ribbon Ball will unmask themselves to emphasize the continuing need to eliminate the stigma surrounding the condition.

"There are very few people who are willing to stand up and admit to the public that they are HIV positive and the reason for that is the stigma and discrimination,"says Bahamas AIDS Foundation president, Lady Camille Barnett. "Believe it or not, that stigma and discrimination prevents people from going to access the free medical care offered at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). If they come onto the PMH compound and see someone they know, they turn around and go home. [People]would rather die alone rather than admit that they are HIV positive and go for help because they're afraid they're going to be stigmatized--and that is within families as well as from colleagues at work, so the fear is there. So what we need to do is remove that mask, and allow people to feel free to admit that they're HIV positive."

Before the world turns its attention on Thursday, December 1 to HIV/AIDS, and those living with, and affected by the disease, the 18th Annual Red Ribbon Ball will be held. The ball is the major fundraiser for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.

Through funds raised from the ball, the Foundation has been able to purchase medicine for women who are pregnant and HIV positive so that their babies will be born HIV negative. They are able to provide education to school children and adults, and fund various campaigns, including their most recent KYS(pronounced kiss)campaign, which means 'Know Your Status'. The Foundation also uses the money to fund their outreach center for adolescents who are affected by HIV and AIDS.

The Red Ribbon Ball represents Colina Insurance Ltd.'s vision for corporate philanthropy.

Colina's longstanding involvement with the Red Ribbon ball dates back to 1994 when legacy company Imperial Life Financial signed a sponsorship accord with the AIDS Foundation of The Bahamas to commit human and financial resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The company began a series of workshops to increase public awareness and launched the Red Ribbon Ball. In 1999, the company donated a three-building complex in Nassau to the Foundation to be used to support its work.

The ball generates approximately $75,000 annually. Since inception, it has netted more than $800,000 for the AIDS Foundation.

In its 18th year, Colina Insurance Ltd. continues the legacy of hope, alongside corporate partners, Kerzner International who gives the Foundation a fixed amount annually, John Bull, American Airlines and Sun Bound, an event planning company.

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