This year marks the 20th anniversary of a life taken by AIDS far too soon. Organizer John Iocchelli and his family lost his Brother Fausto on July 20th, 1990 at the age of only 27. Sadly this is the case for far too many people with AIDS every day.
John says, “I wanted to do something to commemorate the occasion as well as do something to benefit the AIDS community in Calgary. I contacted my friend Ryan Jones and we decided to coordinate a fund-raising gala that would involve a chance to bring together our friends, as well as the greater Calgary community.“ Ryan has been involved with HIV/AIDS fundraisers as an individual, and with his AIDS walk for life team “The Punks” who raised over $4,000 last year.
After some hard work and planning, Ryan and John came up with the first annual Calgary Artists for Life Fundraiser. “If the event is successful this may turn into an annual event”, says organizer John Iocchelli.
It will take place at 7pm on Thursday September 9th, 2010 at Cantos Music Foundation. Admission is by donation and guests will have the opportunity to view and place bids on 27 T-Shirts - that is, one Tee for every year AIDS Calgary has been in operation. The Tees have been painted, altered and embellished into wearable or frameable works of art. This includes the work of local queer artist Lisa Heinricks, Samantha daSilva, Jerrod Oliver, Deb Ede, Kenson Truong, Darrell Fendick, John Parnell, Melody Germain, Stephen Bateman, Leanna Isayew, Brittany Lintick, Jack Bride, Carl White, Timothy Hoey, Audrey Mabee, Amy Dryer, Verna Vogel, Colin Menzies, Chief of Police Rick Hanson , Colleen Huston, Seka Owen, Lana Selbee, Michael Wright, Leila Armstrong, Veronica Funk, and Georgina Stone.
“All the funds raised will go to make a difference in the quality of life of those living with HIV/AIDS through AIDS Calgary’s nutrition program,” says John.
The evening’s MC will be Constable Lynn MacDonald of the Calgary Police Service’s Cultural Diversity Unit, with performances by Calgary’s own musical group, Boy and Gurl. Other silent auction items will be up for bids; hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beverages from Barefoot Wineries will be served; and door prizes will be up for grabs, including 2 round trip tickets from WestJet, a Shaw PVR, tickets to the Alberta Ballet and much more. Come on out and support a great cause while meeting new people and having a great night out. For more information visit their website or find them on Facebook as “Calgary Artists for Life.”
Want to get involved? The organizers are still looking for sponsors and volunteers. If you are interested please contact John Iocchelli at 403-863-3884, or Ryan Jones at 403-870-7529. 