Center raises funds for AIDS awareness, support

Guests enjoyed an ethereal night of epicurean feast, majestic auction items and great entertainment for the eyes and ears at a Midsummer Night’s Dream – the 24th Auction Against AIDS. It was held Aug. 3 at the Horseshoe Riverdome. The event benefits the Philadelphia Center, where funds assist client services, prevention, advocacy, housing and other supports for people living with HIV/AIDS. Over the next couple of months, the Philadelphia Center will work toward the HIV Specialty Clinic (a collaborative project with the Martin Luther King Clinic) and the Wellness Center (targeting gay, bisexual and transgender men who are most at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases). Both are holistic models of care – focusing on the whole person and their needs (physical health/ wellness, emotional supports, spiritual supports, financial counseling). In addition to these new programs, the Philadelphia Center is looking to expand services through the Natchitoches satellite office and is in the final planning stages of a major renovation to the historic homes on Austen Place that comprise the Mercy Center Residential Program. A group from New Orleans called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence attended.

[ SCENE STEALERS ]

1. Kristy Rabalais, Keegan Glick, Lynette Van Heerden, Joan Bergeron
2. Beckette Beck, Rosalyn Thompson, Kerry Lee, the Rev. Emanuel McIntyre
3. Ella Jamerson, Virginia Player, Jonathon McCray
4. Bob and Rozann Frey, Keith Kiper
5. Bob Brown, Andy Shehee, Rick Holland
6. David Henington and Dominic Salinas
7. Chris Stoll, Gloria Haskin, Chris Keenan
8. Jody Baker, Christi Russo, Baylor Boyd, Daryl Tuminello