Gala earns gold for HIV/AIDS
The glitter of Tinseltown was mirrored in a bit of sparkle from Spokane on Sunday night as more than 300 local residents got gussied up for a night at the Oscars.
But the guests clad in tuxedos and evening gowns arrived at the Davenport Hotel for more than just the four huge screens that broadcast the airing of the 79th annual Academy Awards.
They were also there for the ninth annual gala that serves as a chief fundraiser for the Spokane AIDS Network, a nonprofit agency that offers services and support for those affected by HIV and AIDS.
“I’m not really a fan of the Oscars; I’m here to support the foundation,” said Angel Gustafson, 36, dressed in a floor-length black velvet dress, three-quarter-length black gloves and jewelry that rivaled the chandeliers in the Grand Pennington Ballroom.
Through a combination of ticket sales and auctioned items – a poster from the movie “Grease” signed by John Travolta; autographed photos of several “Desperate Housewives” – organizers expected to raise more than $70,000 to prevent and treat the illness that continues to infect growing numbers of people in all circumstances.
“There’s still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding,” said Susan Fabricant, director of the Spokane AIDS Network. “It’s not a gay disease; it can happen to anyone.”
Sunday’s event honored two advocates, Mark Garrett and Dave Williams, who work to increase services in the Spokane area, where an estimated 600 to 700 people have been diagnosed with HIV and AIDS and an estimated 1,200 may actually be infected.
With new cases most common in young people ages 16 to 24 and in heterosexual women, the most pressing need is to urge people to get tested, Garrett said.
“Our big push is: ‘Know your status,’ ” said Garrett, 52, who was diagnosed with HIV a decade ago. “Anybody is at risk if they’re sexually active and not protecting themselves.”
On Sunday, however, the seriousness of the cause took a back seat to the study of celebrity – or not.
“Some people are strict about watching the Oscars on the screens,” Fabricant said. “Some come just to socialize and some people are there just for the auction.”
First-timers Ellen Maccarone, 34, and Michael Hickey, 21, from Gonzaga University, were still getting their bearings at an event that featured, among other sights, two 21-year-old male models covered only in glittering body paint, gold loincloths and gilded sandals.
Both agreed that raising awareness about HIV and AIDS is essential, and that having a fancy party is as good a way as any to do it. Being comfortable in a gown and heels? That’s another story.
“I had to have my mom send the ball gown from Boston,” said Maccarone, an assistant professor of philosophy. “I feel a little silly getting this dressed up in Spokane.”