Health officials in Sarasota County are offering several events to coincide with National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness week Sept. 21-27.
The biggest of the week-long events is “A Night of Red,” which is a fundraiser and show at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The event, pieced together by five area volunteers, will raise money for the Community AIDS Network and volunteers who work in the HIV/AIDS community. Tickets are $25 and scheduled entertainers include DJ Sinna G, Crystle Chambers, J. Mar P. Leamont and XuXu Fontana.
Tickets will also permit guests to view a fashion show hosted by several area boutiques.
The night is part of a week-long awareness campaign organized by the National Association of People with AIDS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Several local organizations are also involved in the week of activities, including the Florida Department of Health, the HIV/AIDS Network of Sarasota, Community AIDS Network, ALSO Out Youth, the Suncoast AIDS Theater Project and community members.
The week begins with a production of Men from the Mindshaft, on Monday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Payne Park on E. Laurel Street. A dance will follow until 11 p.m.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, free HIV testing will be available at Kirby’s Club at 2460 Stickney Point Road from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and on Wednesday, Sept. 23, ALSO Out Youth will host an Arts Open House at 3 p.m.
Free HIV testing will be available on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Alley at 2831 N. Tamiami Trail and testing will resume on Friday, Sept. 25 at Selby Goodwill at 1718 MLK at 6 p.m.
Saturday’s A “Night of Red” fundraiser and show at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch begins at 8 p.m., and the week of activities closes on Sunday, Sept. 27, with a 3 p.m. T-Dance at the Cabana Inn at 2625 S. Tamiami Trail.
