The event, on Thursday, April 14, includes a cocktail reception
at the “Rooftop at the Providence G” prior to the Diana Ross concert, a ticket
to Diana Ross’ “In The Name of Love” show at PPAC, and, following the concert,
back at the Rooftop at the Providence G, “Dessert with ‘Diana’ and Friends.”
Ticket and sponsorship information are available by clicking here.
In addition to hit records as a member
of The Supremes, Diana Ross’ hits include “I’m Coming Out,” “Love Hangover,” “Touch
Me in the Morning,” and “Theme from Mahogany.”
“We are excited to have this opportunity
to raise money to fight HIV/AIDS in conjunction with local arts events,
especially with a concert starring an icon like Diana Ross,” said AIDS Project
Rhode Island executive director Stephen Hourahan. “The recent study from
the Centers for Disease Control underscores the importance of heightening the
fight against HIV/AIDS, and to do that fundraising is critical.”
A first-of-its-kind Centers for Disease
Control study released in February found that African American men who have sex
with other men have a one in two (50%) chance of being diagnosed with HIV in
their lifetime; Hispanic men who have sex with other men have a one in four
chance (25%). “These and other numbers are shocking and a call to
action,” he said.
He
also pointed out that a local study, conducted by authors at Brown University,
The Miriam Hospital and the Rhode Island Department of Health, found a strong
link between “hook up” sites on-line and new HIV diagnoses. “Prevention
outreach needs to be heightened. We’re hoping that the owner of these
sites will step forward to work with us to prevent the spread of HIV.”
Portions of the proceeds of this event
will benefit AIDS Project Rhode Island’s initiative to support prevention. This includes getting people who are HIV+
into treatment and care, promoting regular testing, and advocacy of prevention
methods like condoms and “PrEP.” PrEP,
pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill that when taken daily protects the body
from contracting the HIV virus.
Richie
D said he was pleased to help raise money for AIDS Project Rhode Island.
“It’s going to be a wonderful evening for a wonderful cause,” he said. “The evening will be full of entertainment. We have a very talented cast of
performers for our 'Dessert with ‘Diana’ and Friends' who graciously have
donated their time," he added.
“The
evening will include performances in the likes of many of your favorite divas,
like Lady Gaga, Bette Midler, and Liza Minnelli. In addition there will a tribute to Diana
Ross performed by the multi-talented Jackie Collins. We also are so appreciative of the generous
sponsor contribution from the Rooftop at the Providence G which allows this
event to be possible.”
For more information about the event and to learn about free, rapid and anonymous HIV and Hepatitis C testing, visit www.aidsprojectri.org.
AIDS Project Rhode Island is a division of Family Service of Rhode Island.
For more information about the event and to learn about free, rapid and anonymous HIV and Hepatitis C testing, visit www.aidsprojectri.org.
AIDS Project Rhode Island is a division of Family Service of Rhode Island.
