Nebraska AIDS Project Holds 16th Annual Night of A Thousand Stars™ Fundraiser
Omaha, NE --(October 13, 2008) –– “Bewitched, Bedazzled and Be Dancin’” is the theme as Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP) kicks-off its 16th annual Night of a Thousand Stars™ fundraising gala on Saturday, December 6 at the Holiday Inn Central from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Nearly 2,000 supporters are expected to attend this event, featuring an atmosphere of magic, glamour and romance, as well as decadent desserts, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Live music will be provided by local band Session 7 for dancing. Night of a Thousand Stars™ is Nebraska AIDS Project’s largest fundraiser of the year and typically brings in more than $200,000 to support the agency’s education and prevention, case management and wellness programs throughout the year.
Stars Pre-Parties
More than 40 hosts around the metro area will hold “Stars Parties” the night of the gala. These pre-parties are underwritten by hosts who ask their guests to make a minimum donation of $40 to Nebraska AIDS Project. This donation grants guests entrance into the pre-party and also provides them a ticket to the main gala at the Holiday Inn. As the individual Stars Parties begin to wind down at around 9 p.m., guests gather at the main event for a few additional hours of fun and partying.
2008 Stars Chairs
This year’s honorary chairs are Susan Koenig and John Mixan. A lawyer for 27 years, Susan has provided pro bono legal services to NAP and educated its clients on estate planning needs. As a professional certified coach, Susan recently volunteered training for NAP staff throughout Nebraska. Susan’s commitment to NAP’s work is inspired by the memory of her brother, Tim, who died from AIDS in 1994. Susan and her husband, John, have been hosting Night of 1000 Stars parties ever since. John presently works as a gentleman farmer tending John and Susan’s 10-acre getaway in Crescent, Iowa, and works part-time as a LifeCoach, specializing in supporting people in making lifestyle changes.
HIV and AIDS affect all walks of life. One-fourth of those living with HIV/AIDS do not know they have it. Nebraska AIDS Project is the only AIDS Service Organization (ASO) in the state, serving nearly 1000 clients and their families across Nebraska, southwestern Iowa and eastern Wyoming. Heavy case loads, funding cuts, and stigmas attached to the disease present a constant challenge for all affected. That is why the support of the community is so important in the fight. Prevention, education and testing are essential to effectively eradicating the disease. Nebraska AIDS Project continues to serve the community with a non-judgmental and compassionate approach through its mission of education and support.
Night of a Thousand Stars is made possible with the generous support of its sponsors, including:
The Nebraska Medical Center, The Lozier Foundation, Richard Holland, ConAgra, Inc.,
Katherine Creighton, Chris and Ron Blumkin, Sam's Club Foundation, Creighton University Medical Center, Kind World, Tibotec Therapeutics, Southwest Airlines, American National Bank, Peel's Salon Services, CBS Home, Cyndy Peacock, Community Health Charities, and media sponsors Superhits 99.9 FM KGOR, The Reader, El Perico, Radio Lobo, omahanightlife.com and City Weekly.
For more information, contact Mary Kenny at (420) 552-9260 x 142. Tickets may be purchased for $40 by visiting the Nebraska AIDS Project website at www.nap.org or by contacting NAP at (402) 552-9260, ext. 141.
