Join AIDS Service Center NYC (ASCNYC) on October 29 for their annual fall gala at the Bryant Park Grill. With the theme “Unmask AIDS,” this year’s gala will salute two prominent New Yorkers – Paul Chapman, Vice Chairman & President of ABC Carpet & Home, and Sean Strub, Executive Director of the Sero Project – who have fought tirelessly to end stigma around HIV/AIDS. We’re also thrilled that some of New York’s highest-profile designers will create original masks exclusively for Unmask AIDS. It’s their generous way of helping amplify our message around support and respect for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Unmask AIDS will be hosted by Project Runway All Stars winner Mondo Guerra, on behalf of Merck’s I Design campaign. The event will also feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, live auction with celebrity auctioneer CK Swett, and dinner. A short program will include the annual “ASCNYC Positive Changemaker” awards and entertainment. Be a part of Unmask AIDS – along with hundreds of business, healthcare, and civic leaders – as we honor the men and women who have made over 20 years of service possible.
I asked Mondo to share his thoughts about the event/organiation:
I am honored and humbled to be hosting Aids Service Center NYC’s Unmask AIDS gala this year, and I’m excited to be bringing the I Design campaign back to New York City, which is so greatly impacted by HIV/AIDS. I understand first-hand the importance of the services that groups like ASCNYC provide, and now I want to give back to the community. That’s why I’ve partnered with Merck on I Design, to help encourage people living with HIV to work with their doctors in taking a ‘tailored’ approach to their treatment plan. Everyone living with HIV is different, and our treatment plans should reflect that. I’m also thrilled to be designing an original mask for the Unmask AIDS gala that aligns with the theme of this year’s event, ‘unmasking’ the stigma surrounding HIV. As a fashion designer, I understand the personal benefit of self-expression, which is one of the core tenants I try to communicate through my HIV education campaign I Design.
Super cool host for really important event. To learn more or buy tickets click here.
Otherwise watch for a post-event recap featuring Mondo’s original mask design as well as masks by other designers including Chris Benz and Charlotte Ronson.
