Saturday, October 18, 2008 – Stamford, Ct – In a dramatic departure from usual “benefit” format, guests to the Red Ribbon Foundation’s biennial fundraising event were treated to an electrifying kaleidoscope of entertainment, food, drinks, dance and music, all designed to engage the partygoer with the serious issues in the fight against HIV/AIDS while living up to the organization’s reputation of hosting the “best party of the year”.  The event raised over $650,000.

Over 300 partygoers arrived at The Loading Dock in Stamford on Friday night. Their first hint of the excitement inside was witnessing the Parkour Free Runners scaling the glowing red exterior walls of the building. In store for guests in the dramatic white and red environment (even the food was red and white) were dynamic dance performances, which narrated the evolution of HIV/AIDS from when it first hit the, where it has slipped away from the highlight of public concern.   They were also moved by world-class musicians on the dramatic runway stage, Chelsea Lynn, Project Orange and singers from the cast of “Rent” singing Seasons of Love.  

“ I would like to say congratulations to the Red Ribbon Foundation on yet another wonderfully successful event, said Actor, philanthropist and ambassador for Youth Aids, Ashley Judd, appearing in a special video message to the attendees, “ and to thank you personally for your ongoing support of Youth AIDS and its lifesaving grassroots programs”, Ashley said.

The live auction featured one-of-a-kind items such as a travel opportunity to Africa with Ashley Judd and coveted fashion internships with Elle Tahari and Nicole Miller.  

“One of the tenets of the Red Ribbon Foundation is, and has been, to get people on their feet and dancing to celebrate life” said Scott Williams, President of the Red Ribbon Foundation, “this year was no exception.”. The event ended with a dance floor full of revelers dancing the night away.

The event was conceptualized, designed and produced by Moshe of Moshe Aelyon Studio, www.mosheaelyonstudio.com

The Red Ribbon Foundation is Connecticut’s leading HIV/AIDS fundraising organization.   Net proceeds from the event are awarded as grants to organizations that demonstrate results as well as promising ideas for preventing the spread of AIDS. These grants fund prevention education programs for high-risk individuals, cutting-edge research to eradicate the disease, and assistance programs for those living with HIV/AIDS.  These organizations are as close to home as Greenwich and Stamford, CT and as far away as sub-Saharan Africa.

Red Ribbon was founded in 1994, by Florence and Karl Suerig, who lost their son to this dreaded disease.  Since its inception, Red Ribbon has granted nearly $2 million to various local and international organizations for prevention, treatment and research.  Today, the Red Ribbon Foundation is Connecticut’s leading HIV/AIDS fundraising organization.

For more information on the Red Ribbon Foundation, kindly visit our website at www.redribbonfoundation.org or contact Mary Beth McCarty, Executive Director, at 203 861 2775.