The Getting to Zero guild of AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County raised $38,500 at its second annual fashion show last month at Marc Pridmore Design Gallery in Costa Mesa, surpassing its previous fundraiser.
The evening began with a cocktail reception where nearly 400 guests enjoyed sweets and savories prepared by Thank Goodness It’s Sofia (TGIS Catering), wine tasting from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, and signature cocktails by Lavish Sensual Vodka Cocktails.
Adjourning to the parking lot in front of the Gallery – transformed with runway and seating for the fashion hungry – the three-act show, live auction and Fund-A-Need live donation drive got underway, all for the cause of raising money to support ASF’s mission to prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Orange County.
ASF Executive Director Phil Yaeger thanked the guild, sponsors and generous guests for supporting
the cause. He and ASF Director of Development Chris Bragg reminded everyone of the facts of HIV/AIDS in Orange County: 6,500 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County; there is an average of five new infections every week; Nearly one in five people living with HIV is unaware of his or her status; half of new infections are transmitted by people unaware of their HIV status; The fastest growing population with new infections are 29 years of age and younger; the average cost of caring for someone with HIV over the course of their lifetime is roughly $650,000; HIV infection and AIDS is not curable and there is no vaccine, but it is 100 percent preventable.
To learn more about AIDS Services Foundation Orange County, visit ASF.org.
