Local AIDS Organization Hosts Mardi Gras Benefit to Raise Money
By: Carmen Chau
Updated: February 10, 2013
That's where the AIDS Response Effort stepped in.
"We serve the local area in the Shenandoah region providing services and clients for tho se affected with HIV and AIDS," says Amanda Unger, president of the Aids Response Effort (ARE).
With a mission to serve clients who struggle from AIDS, they held their 7th annual benefit to raise money.
"It goes to our client services. It'll be anything from Medication aids to helping with housing," says Mark Grim, fundraising chairman.
Every year, they have a different theme and this time, it was a mixture of Mardi Gras and The Wizard of Oz.
"I think just the fact that ARE puts the fun in fundraising and everybody loves to come to our event and they're going to come and enjoy themselves and raise money for a wonderful cause," adds Unger.
There was food, raffles, music, and a whole lot of beads to hand around.
"We are the only local agency county areas that is an age-service organization and we're currently serving 120 individuals within that area," adds Grim.
The organization says HIV and AIDS is treatable. The best cure is prevention and supportive help.


