Aunt Rita’s “Speakeasy” Gala Raises Funds for HIV/AIDS Awareness

The Event: RED is the Night 

The Cause: Aunt Rita’s Foundation

Mission:  Aunt Rita’s is dedicated to the elimination of, and suffering from, HIV and AIDS.

Event Co-Chairs: Mike Fornelli and Janae Ben-Shabat

Title Sponsor: Avella Pharmacy

Date held: May 11, 2019

Venue: Warehouse 215 at Bentley Projects

Entertainment: Musician Nicole Pesce performed on the piano with her remarkable repertoire of songs and Francine Reed, Arizona Blues Hall of Fame inductee, joined Nicole to delight the audience with her phenomenal blues and jazz voice.

Dollars raised: $80,000+

Notable Moment: The program included two extraordinary stories: the first about the experience of a young Latino newly diagnosed and the emotional and psychological challenges he faced as a result before the support he received from Aunt Rita’s. The second from a long-term survivor living with HIV for nearly 30 years who conveyed the challenges faced before the development of life-saving medications. Both of the HIV heroes are celebrating life today thanks to the support of our community.

Photo Credit: RSVP Photography

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