Animated and engaged and a "down-to-the-ground" party "disguised" as an opulent event will be the first Red Ribbon Ball (RRB) since 2019 with the mystical, magical theme of "1,001 Arabian Nights". And it will be "fabulous" according to Arame Ford, RRB committee member.
"We're excited and we know our regular patrons are very excited because they know what to expect. We have had three years in the drawing room to come up with some ideas. We bounced a lot of ideas around, and 1,001 Arabian Nights won out and it is going to be fabulous," said Ford.
"Natalie [Appleyard, Wildflowers Events & Occasions, founder] has already shown us her mockup of what the room is going to look like, so we're just really excited and hope people are too. It's going to be a party you don't want to miss."
The Red Ribbon Ball, the biggest fundraiser for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation, will be held on Saturday, November 4, at the Atlantis Ballroom.
Ford said the party starts as soon as you exit your vehicle.
"The décor, the entertainment - all of the elements that will be featured at the ball will depict and bring this theme [1,001 Arabian Nights] to life. There will be elements in the food, in the host and hostesses and from you are greeted at valet parking to the ballroom."
The Essence Band has been tapped as the entertainment during the cocktail reception, with the Falcon Band given the nod as the house band during the ball.
"There's going to be a lot of elements to really captivate your interest during the ball," said Ford.
A big draw for the RRB is always the prizes to be had. And this year, they are as fabulous as they come, bundled in packages to be won with the grand prize an Italian wine tour complete with luggage provided by John Bull. Other packages include a health and wellness, pamper, home party package, travel, glamor, hotel package and survival package (BPL, W&S, gas and groceries).
While all about the fun, the Red Ribbon Ball is a party for a serious cause. They hope to raise at least $150,000 towards the ongoing work of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation on the night. On average it costs the foundation approximately $200,000 yearly to operate. And it is more than that when in-kind donations are factored in.
"AIDS is a very present issue in this country still, and we still have adolescents and children living infected and affected with HIV and AIDS that we need to support. There are patients needing medication. We need to get our PSAs [public service announcements] out to sensitize the public about this cause, so we're really needing to have this ball to solicit funding, and advocate for tolerance amongst Bahamians for people suffering with this disease," said Ford.
As they prepare to host their first ball since 2019, Ford said the money is desperately needed as they have exhausted all of their resources, which meant they had to cut back on much-needed programs.
"We had to survive through the pandemic [and] like every other organization, we've exhausted our resources. We have had to disengage with many of our staff and we've had to cut back on many of our programs simply because we cannot afford it right now.
"We do have an online platform where we try to engage the kids, but that's not very effective because all of the children aren't logging in. Keeping them engaged and making sure they log on in time has been very difficult."
Ford said they have a social worker who has been circulating to the families of the children.
"Our biggest effort right now is providing food and medication to some families because there is still a big issue of food insecurity in the country, and for many families and many patients that aren't healthy enough to go out and seek daily bread, that right now is. With the resources that we have, our priority is feeding the people that we service, but we would like to re-engage the school program."
Through purchasing a ticket to attend the ball, or to give to someone to attend, or make a donation, she said patrons would be assisting a worthy cause.
"We absolutely need your money."
"The Red Ribbon Ball is the biggest fundraiser for us and we are excited about reintroducing the ball to people. A lot of corporate companies are favorably responding to our request for them to purchase tables. Longtime sponsors Commonwealth Brewery which has donated all the wines, John Bull, Pictet Bank & Trust Limited, Zamar Group, and Wildflowers are onboard, so we have the regular people that support us, but more and more corporate companies are coming onboard.
Corporate Bahamas is encouraged to show their support by purchasing tables. Individuals can purchase tickets at $300 per person. You can reach out to us at our resource center at info@bahamasaidsfoundation.org or telephone 325-9326.
There is also the option of platinum tables of 10 or 12 at which Champagne will be poured during the night; wine will be served at the other tables.
"There's going to be a lot of exciting things going on at this year's Red Ribbon Ball. We're excited and we know our regular patrons are very excited because they know what to expect. And we have had three years to be in the drawing room to come up with some ideas. We bounced a lot around, but Arabian Nights won out and it's going to be fabulous. The décor, the entertainment, all of the elements that will be featured at the ball will depict and bring this theme to life. We like to bring ball themes that are animated and very interactive, so that's what you're going to find if you attend this year's ball."
Past Red Ribbon Ball themes have included Fire and Ice (2019), Shimmer (2018), Lights, Camera, Action (2017), Behind the Masque (2016), A Night of Luxury (2015) Winter in Paradise (2014), and Believe in Zero (2013).
The Red Ribbon Ball came to be after Imperial Life in 1993, offered to coordinate and host a fundraiser for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation. Through the work of Colina/Imperial Life staff, most notably, Richenda King, RRB became the premiere ball of the social season. And funds from the ball enabled the foundation to renovate 14 Delancey Street as their office. The Delancey Street property was donated by Colina Insurance Company's legacy company Imperial Life Insurance Company of Canada.
Colina/Imperial hosted the RRB from 1993 through 2012 raising over $950,000.
The Bahamas AIDS Foundation has hosted the RRB from 2013 to present, raising approximately $630,000.
"It takes a lot of time, talent and sacrifice, and it's just a few persons doing the work," said Ford. She said they can also use more volunteers. People can also provide resources like food items.
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