White Party benefits Cayman AIDS Foundation

by Brian Buckley

Thursday, July 22, 2004

The Cayman AIDS Foundation is hosting a special White Party on Monday 26 July at the O Bar nightclub in Queens Court on West Bay Road.

All proceeds will help support the CAF, even including the $20 entry fee to the party itself.

The local organiser of the White Party, Jerry Mixon, has been working with the CAF to bring about the night’s festivities. According to Mr Mixon, White Parties have already been successfully held in Miami, New Orleans, and Los Angeles, and Monday’s event will mark the first event of its kind in the Caribbean.

“The party aims to be fun and educational. AIDS has made a sharp rise in the Caribbean recently and there are a number of cases here in Cayman.

“The Caribbean is the world’s third fastest growing region for AIDS ,” said Mr Mixon.

Often, a region where the disease has been spreading experiences a lack of funds for education and prevention measures. Mr Mixon believes that the Cayman Islands, with its three islands and large population can assist AIDS patients via events such as a White Party.

All partygoers are being encouraged to wear white to the party due to the colour’s association with purity, elegance, and its non-political, non-combative nature.

At the door guests will be handed information packets detailing safe behaviours and statistics on the disease.

“We see this event as a high-energy fundraiser as we are hosting this party at a hangout for younger people. This party also seeks to reach out to expats and educate them on the disease, and its growth in this region of the world,” added Mr Mixon.

All proceeds from the night will go towards funding AIDS education programs in the community, and the production of AIDS educational materials.

Jamison Nunez, the President of the Cayman Islands Aids Foundation, has supported local and international AIDS projects since 1991 when he initially had the idea of establishing an AIDS support group in the Cayman Islands.

Reader comments:

• I think this is fantastic! I've been waiting to meet Mr. Nunez and ask him the progress on AIDS awareness in Cayman. Also I wanna know where's my invite! Seriously I can't wait to go and support the cause - Selita Ebanks

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