ATLANTA, GA, April 23, 2010
/24-7PressRelease/ -- In an economy where companies are struggling to
stay open, there is one organization hoping to someday close its doors for good.
AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta (ARCA) Principal Investigator Dr. Melanie Thompson
says, "We want to go out of business for the right reason, because HIV is cured and there is no
need for us." Until then, ARCA, the Southeast's leading community-based AIDS research
organization, is asking for help more than ever before.
Thompson says Atlanta residents can help fight HIV while enjoying a fabulous gourmet evening
at ARCA's 20th Uncork A Cure on Thursday April 29, 6:00pm-9:00pm at The Foundry at
Puritan Mill. Year after year the event offers an exciting evening for attendees, allowing them to
sample some of Atlanta's best restaurants and sip from dozens of varieties of wines while
networking and bidding on silent auction items.
The premier item at this year's silent auction will be "Dinner with Ludacris!" donated by Atlanta
music star Chris "Ludacris" Bridges. Ludacris' own Atlanta restaurant STRAITS is this year's
Host Committee Sponsor. Uncork attendees will also have the opportunity to sample the actor
and Grammy winner's special brand of "Conjure" cognac during the event.
The silent auction also includes party packages donated by DJ Vicki Powell, the local band
Roxie Watson, Gordon Biersch, and Morton's Steakhouse. Other items include autographed
movie posters from "Precious" and "Meet the Browns," vacations, premier wines, restaurant and
theater packages, art, jewelry, Atlanta Braves tickets, and even doggie daycare. Thompson says
"Uncork A Cure patrons who love to shop will be thrilled by the carefully chosen items offered
this year." She says, "It's like shopping at an upscale mall where you know the proceeds go to a
great cause. There will be a wonderful array of health and fitness packages as well as items to
delight the senses! There is a sneak preview of the silent auction online."
Thompson adds, "Each year, people consistently give rave reviews that they have had a great
time and their money has been well spent, not only for a great cause, but also for the items they
received." Thompson indicated that the value of the event keeps attendees coming back "year
after year after year to enjoy a great night on the town."
Thompson and other event organizers commented that they face a daunting task this year with
non-profit fundraising declining nationwide due to the unstable economy. Regardless of the
economy, Thompson said that efficient non-profits like ARCA are used to lean times. "Eightytwo
cents of every dollar raised supports ARCA's mission which includes developing new
treatments for HIV and working in prevention research." Uncork a Cure proceeds are critical
for conducting the nearly 20 HIV clinical trials ARCA juggles at any given time. "Yet there is so
much more that Uncork A Cure does," said Thompson. By attending, she indicated that patrons
are helping to raise money for:
• Free, anonymous HIV testing at local colleges such as Georgia State University,
Morehouse College and Spelman College (To date ARCA has performed more than 6000
HIV tests throughout Atlanta!)
• Education and risk reduction counseling, and facilitating health care for persons newly
diagnosed with HIV
• Operational costs, including staffing and rent not covered by research studies
• HIV testing kits and medical supplies
• Safer sex kits and educational materials
Uncork A Cure tickets are just $75 in advance and $100 at the door. Tickets can also be
purchased online at http://www.uncorkacure.org or by calling 404-876-2317.
Media Sponsors
The Sunday Paper is the Official Media Sponsor for Uncork A Cure. This is Jezebel
Magazine's second year as an Uncork Media Sponsor and a Jezebel photographer will be at
Uncork to cover the event.
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com# # #
Read more Press Releases from Carol Smith:
