Tonight was not an ordinary night at Fort Mason. The usual warehouse was transformed into an elegantly decorated Academy Awards gala for Academy of Friends.
Academy of Friends is a huge fundraising event for HIV/AIDS organizations all over the country held in San Francisco, CA. Stylish, ornamented tables full of gourmet cuisines, delicious wines and alcoholic beverages were distributed throughout the now altered arena. A large area was also dedicated to a silent auction, presenting myriad items including: theatre, fine dining, entertainment, wines, paintings, vintage posters, collectable items and so much more. Mannequins representing the theme of the night, “Behind the Seams: A Salute to Fashion in Film”, were dressed in a variety of vintage and modern day fashion, bringing effortless style to the room. Samba dancers, Gold’s gym members painted gold (how appropriate) and of course our fabulous San Francisco drag queens, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and many others, also filled the room on Sunday night. In addition, one cannot forget the four large screens hanging centered in the warehouse projecting the Academy Awards as the social crowd watched and made their way around the arena.
Overall the event turned out to be a grand success. With a crowded room dressed to impress, Academy of Friends, fund-raiser has been able to raise 7.5 million dollars towards HIV/AIDS efforts since it first began 30 years ago. Although it is too soon to see what this year brought in, we are positive, like in previous years, it did not disappoint. This year’s funds will be distributed to over 11 organizations around the country.
This event would not have been possible without the efforts of Shanti and other bay area HIV/AIDS organizations, whose staff and volunteers dedicated much of their time to put this event together. As a result Shanti receives approximately $275 dollars per hour for each volunteer. Everyone’s efforts and commitment toward a great cause are extremely appreciated.
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