Top Local Fashionistas, Nordstom and Chicago’s Hottest Advocates Work the Runway to Battle HIV/AIDS
The Junior Board of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s 2nd Annual Make a Statement: Design for the Cure Raises
Awareness and Funds to Fight HIV/AIDS
A Night of Fashion, Cocktails and Advocacy Hosted by Steven Rosengard from Bravo’s Project Runway
Encourages Young People to Get Tested in Lead-up to National HIV Testing Month
CHICAGO—April 10, 2008—There’s nothing more out of style than apathy towards HIV/AIDS. That’s why Chicago’s young HIV/AIDS advocates and fashionistas are planning a fabulous night to step up the fight against the disease. On May 8, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Junior Board is throwing their signature event, Make a Statement: Design for the Cure. This high-energy fashion show and cocktail event will be hosted by Steven Rosengard, of Project Runway fame, at Le Passage from 7:00-10:00 PM.
“The reality of today is that everyone is living with HIV/AIDS, and the real question is what are people, especially young people, doing to step up and join the fight?” said Maggie Connell, AFC Junior Board president. Young people are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS – as many as half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. occur among those under 25 years of age, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It’s our hope that the enthusiasm we see on the runway May 8 will translate to heightened passion to fight this disease,” said Connell. Last year’s event was attended by more than 200 people and this year Connell expects more than 300 to come out.
To kick off National HIV/AIDS Testing Month in June, the AFC Junior Board event will feature models acting as “living billboards,” donning 10 provocative t-shirts with such statements as: Condoms: for Wieners not Wallets; AIDS Apathy Makes Your Ass Look Big; and HIV Only Needs One Chance. Detailed information on how to prevent the disease will also be available for all guests.
For Connell and her board of young advocates, this is just one night in the long fight for a cure. “There’s nothing glamorous about HIV/AIDS, but we’re adding a bit of fabulous to the fight,” says a fierce Connell, who hopes this event will serve as a catalyst to engage young people, encourage testing and build momentum around HIV/AIDS education.
Sponsors for Make a Statement include the McCormick Tribune Foundation, Nordstrom, Grant Thornton, Le Passage, American Airlines, and minibar|winebar.
Featured designs will include fashions from TREND’s Ken Eckhauser; Serpico; Lucas Cowan; Kreatia; Kuhlman Southport;
Mark Shale; Lara Miller; and the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s including Kate Boggiano, Organik Revolution’s Kristin Hassan, Evil Kitty’s Lydia Wachowska.
Tickets include an open bar and can be purchased in advance for $50 at www.aidschicago.org or at the door for $60. Tickets for runway seating can be purchased for $100 in advance or at the door, based on availability. Dress to impress.
About the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
The mission of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic. Founded by community activists and physicians in 1985, AFC collaborates with government and community partners to pursue comprehensive strategies against HIV/AIDS; funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champions effective, compassionate policy and human rights to bring an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. For more information, please visit www.aidschicago.org.
About the AFC Junior Board
Launched in 2005, members of the Junior Board support AFC's overall mission and activities by acting as ambassadors in the fight against HIV/AIDS and by engaging other community members in their 20s and 30s to make a difference.
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