There are currently an estimated 30,000 North Carolinians living with HIV/AIDS, many unaware of their status.  In Guilford County, over 2,100 cases have been diagnosed. Of those, over 500 individuals are currently seeking services from Triad Health Project. THP received 11 new client intakes during March of 2008.

19^TH ANNUAL DINING FOR FRIENDS SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 17^th

With almost two decades of tradition in the Piedmont, thousands of area residents will soon come together for Triad Health Project’s Annual Dining for Friends fundraising extravaganza.  Hundreds of hosts will welcome their friends for dinner parties, backyard barbeques, or refreshments on or around the evening of Saturday, May 17^th in exchange for a donation to Triad Health Project.   Following these dinners, hosts and their guests will gather for a 9:00 pm Dessert Gala at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center indulging in delectable delights donated by local restaurants, caterers and food service providers, as well as dancing to the sounds of The Stovepipes and DJ Mr. Bill.

Dining for Friends has evolved into one of the most effective fundraising tools available in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  The event has raised more than $2 million dollars for THP since its inception.  Over the years, Dining for Friends has also become synonymous with community, friends, family - and celebrating the diversity of people who choose to take part in support of a common cause. Individuals who are not planning to host or attend a private party are welcome to join the Dessert Gala by making a donation at the Coliseum.

Our 2008 DFF Honorary Chairs, local epicurean stars Alex and Vera Amoroso, proprietors of downtown Greensboro institution Cheesecakes by Alex, know a thing or two about working hard in the kitchen to make a lasting impression with the end results.  “Vera and I are honored to be asked to co-chair Dining for Friends, an event that has become a tradition in the city of Greensboro,” says Alex.  Vera adds “how could you not support an event that brings friends and neighbors together to enjoy a great meal, good conversation and, at the same time, brings awareness to this most important cause?”  Dining for Friends is once again made possible through the generosity of Presenting Sponsors Replacements, Ltd. and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.  IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PLAN AND HOST YOUR VERY OWN PARTY!  Contact Triad Health Project, 336-275-1654, or go to www.triadhealthproject.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DINING FOR FRIENDS

Planning for, prepping for, and feeding some 2,000 Dessert Gala guests can be quite a daunting task – and not possible without wonderful volunteer support. If you would like to roll up your sleeves, slap on some plastic gloves, and assist us with cutting and displaying desserts at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center the morning of Saturday, May 17^th, please contact Shane Burton at 275-1654, or you can email Shane at sburton@triadhealthproject.com. We might even let you enjoy a cookie crumble or two!

HELP THP TOAST A NEW SEASON

May is a time for many memorable occasions: graduations, wedding plans, vacation plans, and of course, Dining for Friends. You can raise a glass to what is currently poignant in your life and support the life-saving programs of THP by attending our first ever Wine Tasting Benefit at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 3342 West Friendly Avenue (The Shops at Friendly Center) in Greensboro.  Join us on Wednesday, May 7^th from 5-8pm. The event is free to attend, you will simply purchase wines by the tasting, with proceeds to support THP.  Please join us for Fleming’s lively atmosphere, gracious service, and dedication to excellence in community service. For details about available wines to sample that evening, call 336-294-7790.

2^ND ANNUAL DESIGNERS CARE A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

The Village at North Elm was the place to be Saturday, April 26^th and Sunday, April 27th.  THP’s Designers Care tag sale featured home furnishings at prices significantly below wholesale. Shoppers spent over $31,000 for hundreds of pieces of first-quality furniture and other products for the home donated by a wide range of furniture manufacturers, showrooms, retailers, and designers. “We expected great support from the public, and we go it,” said Jane Matteson, Executive Director of the American Society of Furniture Designers and Co-Chair of Designers Care 2008. “Designers Care gave people an opportunity to find the latest trends for their homes at a fraction of what they would have paid elsewhere”. Co-Chair Kimberley Wray, Vice President of Marketing for the High Point Market Authority and a THP Board member, continued, “The manufacturers, showrooms, and designers were incredibly generous with their Designers Care donations because they believe in the work THP is doing to help people in our community affected by HIV/AIDS.” “THP could not have hosted the sale without the support of Two Men and A Truck,” says Steven Wolfe, THP Board member and event Co-Chair. “The company donated product pick-up and warehousing services and was on-hand throughout the tag sale to arrange delivery of bigger items to customers’ homes.” A special thanks to all the Designers Care presenting sponsors, including Koury Corporation for providing the beautiful venue, Two Men and a Truck, and Emisare and PBM Graphics, Inc. for their artistic and printing talents, and to the Triad Health Project Board of Directors for their tireless work and dedication to Designers Care!

THP “RAPD-IT-UP”

Triad Health Project was thrilled to partner last month with the Moses Cone Infections Disease Clinic, North Carolina A&T State University, Bennett College for Women, and BET (Black Entertainment Television) to present “Rap-It-Up,” an HIV/AIDS prevention community event on the campus of A&T. The goal for the day was to provide HIV testing for 300 people – but by the end of the day, we tested over 400 individuals.  It was awe-inspiring to see so many young people taking care of themselves and their partners by getting tested!

TRIAD PRIDE TO FEATURE TRIAD HEALTH PROJECT

Triad Pride fosters the notions that “inclusiveness and acceptance are the real gifts that we give to one another. It is the victory of human acceptance and understanding over the boundaries of race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.” THP sees intrinsic value in being an active participant in this celebration of community, and Triad Pride’s continued support of THP is priceless. Triad Pride 2008 Festival dates run May 7th through May 11^th with events at various venues. The mission of Triad Pride is to further empower those in the Triad that identify with the GLBTQA community, create a greater sense of awareness of GLBTQA issues, and further the advancement of all members of the Triad community. For more information about Triad Pride 2008, log on to www.outgreensboro.com.

THP WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT/CEO OF UNITED WAY OF GREATER GREENSBORO

After a national search for a successor to Neil Belenky, United Way of Greater Greensboro has announced the selection of new President and CEO, Keith Barsuhn.  Keith brings 24 years of fundraising and marketing experience to the community, most recently having served as President of United Way of greater Stark County in Canton, Ohio. Keith has also served as a Vice President with the United Way of Central Ohio in Columbus. Current President and CEO Neil Belenky announced his planned retirement earlier this year.  Keith Barsuhn will assume the post on July 1^st.

HIV VACCINE AWARENESS DAY, MAY 18

May 18^th marks a day to recognize the work of the countless health professionals, doctors, and volunteers working toward this daunting and lifesaving goal.  For more information, log on to www3.niaid.nih.gov.

NATIONAL ASIAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY, MAY 19^TH

More than 7,000 Asian and Pacific Islanders have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic here in the U.S.  This awareness day highlights education, prevention, and stigma reduction. For more information, log on to banyantreeproject.org.

IN THE NEWS (KAISERNETWORK.ORG)

·        mtvU, MTV's Peabody and Emmy Award-winning college network, and the Kaiser Family Foundation, in partnership with POZ Magazine, have just unveiled "Pos or Not" (www.PosorNot.com), an online game that challenges stereotypes and breaks down the barriers that may prevent people from talking openly about HIV/AIDS, getting tested, and using protection.  The format also provides users with information about HIV prevention, as well as local HIV and STD testing resources from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). In addition, players are invited to join the game to help underscore that there's no way to tell a person's HIV status from how they look or what they do. Several of the most requested acts on college campuses and major pop culture figures are lending their efforts to help stoke the online spread of "Pos or Not," including Wyclef Jean, Fall Out Boy, Rosario Dawson, and Alyssa Milano.

·        After recently making headlines for discharging a young HIV positive volunteer, the Peace Corps is now recruiting experienced volunteers over the age of 50 to help combat HIV is such developing countries as AIDS-ravaged Ethiopia.  The agency is loosening its medical criteria and reducing its 27-month service commitment to accommodate older volunteers in an effort to enhance its current crop of recent college graduates.

SAVE THE DATE

19^th Annual Dining For Friends

Saturday, May 17^th

Dessert Gala, Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 9pm