HIV and AIDS is still very much out there, and while people are having longer, healthier lives with the disease, the search for a cure continues for this still devastating disease. Every November, The Roost nightclub in Edmonton puts on an event to raise funds, with proceeds going to AIDS research.

“We started doing the fundraiser when the AIDS epidemic started,” event organizer Joe Achtemichuk told GayCalgary.com. “The bar used to do it for Kairos House, which was a care home for those dying of HIV/AIDS. That organization is now run by Catholic Social Services and there are no gay people there. People had started complaining that the money was going to the wrong organization. So we researched and felt the University of Alberta’s AIDS research centre [was more worthy]. The fundraiser is all to find a cure. The UofA is always struggling for money. They are one of the best research laboratories in the country. It has taken a while for them to get to that.”

This year’s event takes place on November 10th. The fundraiser is injected with new concepts and ideas to keep it fresh every year. The staples however are a live and silent auction, as well as $10 haircuts. ICON Hair Architexture has graciously donated its stylists’ time to the event.

“Tyrell at Icon has been great, we do so much with him its not even funny. Working with the hair salon, you feed off their customers and get some great things. The haircuts are in a space that is very visible; if people are walking past it they will think about it. This is the most promotion we have done with the haircutting because of the deal we have with Icon. The amount of e-mails we’ve gotten about the haircuts is phenomenal. We are trying to draw in the new generation to an event that brings out the old generation. There’s a ’four time a year‘ crowd that comes out and this is an event that they do.”

The evening, which begins at 8pm and runs until close (last years event ran until 4:30am) will also feature live performers, drag shows, Capital City Burlesque and much more to keep you entertained while the auctions run. There are a number of businesses that donate to the auction. 2005’s event featured a $9,000 complete fitness workout as an auction item. This year organizers have arranged for a number of big prizes, including some autographed material from musical stars such as Anne Murray. There will be lots to bid on and a great chance to take home one-of-a-kind memorabilia.

“Last year we raised $4700, which was up from previous years. We made a lot of money on the hair last year. The silent auction is a great way to do Christmas shopping, as you can go through and pick a few items and bid on them. You aren’t going to pay full price for anything at a silent auction.”

The Roost’s 23rd Annual Aids Benefit

Friday November 10th, at 8:00pm

Cover: $5

http://www.theroostniteclub.com