The talent of area artists on display, up for bids

The Philadelphia Art Auction Against AIDS annual fund-raiser will be held from 7:30-11 p.m. on Aug. 11 at Sam’s Town Casino in Shreveport. Guests can enjoy a silent auction, signature drinks, raffles and more, all in the name of a good cause.

Jacquelyn Barber, creative director for the Philadelphia Art Auctions Against AIDS, is especially looking forward to the event. “The local art up for bid is very exciting,” Barber said. “The Philadelphia Art Auction Against AIDS is well on its way to becoming the best source for local art!” Guests can also look forward to entertaining music by That Girl DJ, delicious food created by Sam’s Town specifically for the auction, signature drinks and the “Barrel of Booze” giveaway.

And that’s not all. “There will be a variety of superheroes at the event to encourage patrons to bid on fabulous auction items and original local art as well,” Barber said. Raffles by Clarkes Jewelers and a “once in a lifetime” stay in San Francisco are also up for auction as some local hot items.

Dr. Lonnie McCray, dean of arts, humanities, social sciences and education at SUSLA, is currently serving as the vice president, Philadelphia Center Board of Directors, and chair of the auction committee. “This yearly event is a really fun and exciting way for individuals to give back to their community,” McCray said. “We’ve taken what used to be a simple, silent auction and have transformed it into a true social event.”

He believes the community should get involved and purchase tickets – it’s a good time for a good cause. “I love that we explore a different theme each year, and I’m ready to see all of our performers and guests in their hero and villain costumes,” McCray said.

Hershey Krippendorf, director of development, is also excited about the fund-raiser. “I’m really looking forward to seeing all the local art, products and services that have been so generously donated to us,” Krippendorf said.

All proceeds from the event go directly to assist The Philadelphia Center in funding its many community outreach programs. “The Philadelphia Center does important work in our community,” Barber said. “Buying tickets for the auction and being a part of our auction supports the work and makes it possible to expand the outreach.”

The Philadelphia Center developed in the spring of 1990 as concerned citizens responded to the HIV/AIDS epidemic as it spread into the Shreveport area of Louisiana. The mission of the center is to empower those living with HIV, to eliminate new HIV transmissions and to enhance community health.

Funds from the Annual Auction Against AIDS provide general and programmatic support for programs such as the Mobile Testing Unit and Mercy Center and the residential facility for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

According to AIDSVu, approximately 19,492 people are living with HIV in Louisiana. The Shreveport region ranks third in the state for new cases of HIV, according to 2015 data from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

A report from The Advocate in Baton Rouge showed that 22 percent of people in Baton Rouge newly diagnosed with HIV had already progressed to AIDS, while 26 percent turned into AIDS diagnoses within a year. In New Orleans, 18 percent of new diagnoses had progressed to AIDS, while 23 percent reached AIDS within a year.

“The money that is raised through the auction will help us continue our work here in our community,” Krippendorf said. “You can expect from this year’s event a great selection of silent auction items, a tantalizing visual experience and lots of superheroes and villains.”

To purchase tickets or for additional information, please visit pcauction.org.

– Betsy St. Amant Haddox