The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer
jgibson@tribunemedia.net


THE FIGHT against HIV/AIDS is getting a boost with the 19th annual Red Ribbon Ball fundraiser set for November 10.
The Red Ribbon Ball is hosted by Colina Insurance Limited and has been the single largest fund-raising initiative for the AIDS Foundation for a number of years. Under the theme “An International Affair” the event will highlight the concerted efforts that nations around the world take to fight against HIV/AIDS.

“AIDS is a condition that is today still impacting too many of our friends and family members and we are committed to doing whatever we can to raise funds that intensify efforts in the fight against it. This year we are anticipating a great turnout for the ball. Institutions and individuals are digging into their pockets and are continuing their support for the event. It shows they understand that need knows no season,” said event co-chairperson Sandra Smith, an ardent supporter of the AIDS Foundation.

Since its inception the Red Ribbon Ball has raised more that 850,000 for the AIDS foundation, that has went towards purchasing medication for HIV positive pregnant women in order to reduce the risk of mother to child transmission. The funds also go to support the AIDS Foundation’s after school outreach program which provides tutoring, psychosocial intervention, medication and meals for adolescents infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

“Despite our success in raising $850,000 for the foundation, every year that passes reminds us of the work sill left to do in meeting the challenges that HIV and AIDS presents. Community support is vital for educating the public on the realities of living with the disease; combating prejudice; promoting HIV testing; providing counselling and preventing mother to child transmission,” Ms Smith said.

President of the AIDS Foundation Camille Barnett told Tribune Health that the current after school programme is a costly undertaking and needs as much to support to help make life better for adolescents impacted by the disease.

“This is the largest fundraiser and it is crucial for every single thing that we do and it has been this way for the last nineteen years of the ball. It is absolutely essential. We are running a program right now that is extremely expensive. It is going well, we are working with teenagers and you add the fact that they are HIV positive or they live with someone who is HIV positive. It is costly because you have to higher tutors and we have two part time social workers on board. We also feed the kids, give them two meals, so it is an extremely expensive program and we are committed to it. We are seeing a difference in the kids and their self esteem and their lives,” said Mrs Barnett.

Organisers promise an unforgettable night at the Grand Ballroom at Atlantis. Although the ball is a black tie event guests are encouraged to wear cultural attire. Attendees will receive a gift from event partner John Bull.

They will also be entered to win raffle prizes from donors like American Airlines. Other partners of ball include host Atlantis Paradise Island, event management company Sun Bound, and branding specialists Karma Designs. For more information contact 396-2100 or email redribbonball@colina.com.