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Top Designers Hit the Runway for Fashion Forward presented by Bank of America
The fashion industry supports Gay Men's Health Crisis in the fight against AIDS
New York, NY October 28, 2008 — Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation's oldest HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care services provider, will host Fashion Forward on Monday November 10, from 7–10PM. This much anticipated event, held at Skylight Studios, will feature six of New York's top designers including Michael Bastian, Betsey Johnson, Ports 1961 by Tia Cibani, Tim Hamilton, Charles Nolan, and John Varvatos. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and close with a runway show previewing the designers' Spring/Summer 2009 offerings. There will also be a live and silent auction featuring designer shopping sprees offered by Andrew Buckler, Calvin Klein outerwear, Design Hotels Luxury Stay, and more. Tim Gunn of Project Runway will reprise his role as master of ceremonies.
From its earliest days, the fashion community has been on the front lines in the fight against HIV/AIDS, using its creativity and passion to raise public awareness and galvanizing fundraising efforts to provide services to reduce HIV infections, help people living with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep HIV prevention and treatment a national priority. Launched in Fall 2007, Fashion Forward is a high-profile event created to salute the fashion industry's longstanding commitment to the cause while continuously working toward increased awareness of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Fashion industry native, Michael Kors, notes, "GMHC is a bold force in the fight against HIV/AIDS. They are the tireless soldiers in the battle against the disease."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that there are approximately 50,000 to 60,800 more HIV infections per year in the US compared to a previous annual estimate of 40,000. HIV is a 100% preventable disease, yet in 2006, an estimated 56,300 individuals became HIV infected. GMHC provides comprehensive treatment and care services for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS; HIV prevention, health education, and testing programs; and public policy/advocacy programs at all levels of government.
Fashion Forward is supported by an honorary committee including Steven Kolb, president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and the "people's designer," Stan Herman. HIV-positive fashion designer and former "Project Runway" contestant Jack Mackenroth will also participate in this year's Fashion Forward event to discuss his experience living with HIV for nearly 20 years as well as his latest project, a national initiative called Living Positive by Design (LPBD). LPBD is an HIV/AIDS education campaign sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. that aims to combat the stigma associated with HIV and highlights the importance for people living with HIV to have a positive outlook on life while effectively managing their disease.
Fashion Forward has also received a tremendous amount of support from the fashion and corporate community, with Bank of America joining as Presenting Sponsor. "As a major global financial institution, Bank of America takes great pride in serving a large and diverse customer and associate base and taking a leadership role in supporting numerous initiatives that directly affect and shape our communities," said Bank of America New York President Alan Rappaport. "We salute the valiant efforts of Gay Men's Health Crisis and are proud to support this organization which brings hope and options to so many in need." Others sponsors include: Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, EMD Serono, Gilt Group, Hanne Apparel, Leslie Fay Pomerantz, Michael Kors, HX, Genre, Metro Source, The New York Blade, Soho Journal, Zoo Zoom, Delta and Svedka Vodka.
Supporting sponsor Derek Lam says, "Gay Men's Health Crisis is a true New York institution that represents everything great about the city and our community. We are strong, creative, and resilient! It is an honor to be able to give our support to GMHC in these difficult economic times when AIDS is still a reality for many people in need."
To purchase tickets or make a donation, please visit GMHC here
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About GMHC: Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention, treatment and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide. GMHC's mission is to fight to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.
About Bank of America: Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk-management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 59 million consumer and small business relationships with more than 6,100 retail banking offices, more than 18,500 ATMs and award-winning online banking with more than 25 million active users. Bank of America offers industry leading support to more than 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients in more than 150 countries and has relationships with 99 percent of the U.S. Fortune 500 companies and 83 percent of the Fortune Global 500. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. http://www.bankofamerica.com/
Media Contact:
Emily Corbin / Cator Sparks
212.206.8310
emily@bpmw-agency.com / cator@bpmw-agency.com
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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