The Tribune

THE Bahamas AIDS Foundation will stage its 22nd annual Red Ribbon Ball on November 14 in the Grand Ballroom of the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island.

The ball is the foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year.

This year’s exciting theme, “A Night of Luxury”, promises an evening of lavish fun, frolic and indulgence, featuring additions that include tables with complimentary bottles of champagne, courtesy of Red Ribbon Ball partner Commonwealth Brewery, special balcony seating for only eight “luxe” tables and personalised service.

This year’s entertainment will feature local favourites such as The 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 corporate donors, including Cable Bahamas, Pictet Bank and Trust, Colina, Commonwealth Bank, and the Hilton.

This year, through the generous support of another corporate donor, John Bull, one lucky raffle winner will enjoy a $10,000 luxury-shopping spree. Gift certificates from John Bull also will be up for grabs 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 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 Centre, 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, due in large part to the work done by the AIDS Foundation, the public must remain vigilant in the fight to eradicate the disease.

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 the disease.

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 Camille Barnett, the foundation’s president, also stressed the AIDS Foundation’s support for the UNAIDS’ goal of “Getting to Zero” – zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination.

To attend the event, tickets can be purchased from the AIDS Foundation’s Delancy St offices. The office can be reached at 325-9326/7.