Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Area Reporter - May 22, 2008
Kris Larson
Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door, but as soon as you walk in you'll be given $20 in coupons to spend on the fair's games, food, and drinks. Attendees will have a chance to win prizes on standard fair games like whack-a-mole and baseball throws, as well as competing at games unique to AEF, such as the penny toss for its pennies project.
Like any county fair worth its salty snacks, this event will feature several contests. Guests are invited to dress as Marilyn Monroe, either as she once was or as you imagine her today, for a look-a-like contest. You can also enter a pie-baking contest. All pie entries will be sliced up and distributed among the guests during the evening.
For the past few years, AEF was known for its "Fortune Tellers Ball" fundraiser. This year, the agency decided to shake things up.
"You do an event three or four years and it's time to rethink it," said Executive Director Mike Smith. "Last year was our big 25th anniversary at the Marriott, which gave us a chance to take a break and think what to do differently this year. Black tie events are always fun, but not all donors can participate because of the price level. AEF has always been about grassroots fundraising, so it made sense to go back to a model where more people could participate."
And raising money is even more important this year, with possible funding cuts on the horizon.
Guests can also bid in a silent auction. Smith estimated that AEF would be auctioning off between $25,000 and $30,000 worth of items. But even participants who don't win their item of choice can walk away winners.
"When you win [the games], you can get plush toys and other county fair-type prizes, so hopefully everyone will leave with some sort of prize," Smith said.
The fair will offer a full roster of performers. Some of the men from the Bare Chest Calendar will be present for a photo shoot. Sachet and Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will serve as emcees for a variety of drag performances, and a country western DJ will be spinning country favorites for the dance floor.
Additionally awards will be given to the Bare Chest Calendar 25th Year Reunion, Paul Moffett of PO Plus, Jeff Braff, Dorothy Compeau, and Cheer-SF.
AEF helps people with disabling HIV and AIDS by providing emergency financial assistance for them to pay their bills such as utilities, housing costs, and medical co-pays. The agency has a low administrative overhead that is covered by corporate and foundation gifts, meaning that 100 percent of funds raised from the County Fair and other events goes directly to clients. AEF worked with about 2,400 people last year on a budget of $1.7 million. To qualify for assistance from AEF, a person must have a medical diagnosis of disabling HIV or AIDS, be a San Francisco resident, and have an income of under $1,300 a month.
The fair takes place next Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m., at the San Francisco County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. For more information, visit http://www.aef-sf.org/countyfair.
080522
BR080509
Copyright © 2008 - The Bay Area Reporter. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the The Bay Area Reporter.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .