If you missed out on the extravagance of 2005’s Calgary Cares, it’s ok because that time has come again! On March 23rd you can join the many Calgarians who will get dressed to the nines with the sole purpose of helping the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association continue its indispensable work in the city. The award winning Calgary Cares event not only gathers the best talent to put on one of the most entertaining evenings of the year, it also sets the bar for philanthropic endeavors in Calgary. The theme of Calgary Cares 2007 is PULSE – the rhythm of life that connects us all. This year’s event will again take place at the Jack Singer Concert Hall where, those in attendance can expect to find the very best from the worlds of fashion, music, and spoken word.

In addition to the show, there will also be a silent auction including: Three exciting trips, courtesy of Leisure Life Vacations – Shoreham Green, Jamacia; Cristalmar Resort and Beach Club, Isla Mujeres, Mexico; and a weekend getaway for two at Kimberly Ridge.

Four fabulous fur coats, courtesy of Renfrew Furs, are also up for auction in addition to original artwork from Calgary artists ranging in size, style and medium.

Susan Cress, executive director of the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association notes that, "One of the most powerful things about Calgary Cares is the diverse range of people at the event. From young people coming out, to established GLBT people, to politicians and oil executives, it is truly a unique event in Calgary. Rarely is there such an opportunity for people to get behind the leading issue of our time, HIV/AIDS. This is an environment where you get the sense that Calgary does indeed care," Cress continues, "We make use of the diverse range of talent available in Calgary, who all donate their time, to produce our signature event."

The ambition and enthusiasm on which Calgary Cares is built is the very same foundation that has helped the AIDS Calgary Awareness Association to sustain itself as a non-profit organization in Calgary for the last twenty-four years. For the GLBT community, AIDS Calgary is an especially valuable resource. Two current projects that AIDS Calgary is spearheading, due in part to funding from events like Calgary Cares, are the HEAT and Youth XChange programs. HIV Education and Awareness Today (HEAT) - is a program designed to address HIV/STI education, awareness and prevention. HEAT engages the MSM (men who have sex with men) community by providing specific education in support of HIV/STI prevention and health promotion – through outreach, development workshops and online. Youth XChange is a program aimed at high-risk, street-involved youth. This outreach, support and education program targets youth agencies youth events and youth on the street. Workers and volunteers visit the streets and speak with youth about HIV and AIDS, sharing prevention messages and connecting them to the resources they need for safety, food and shelter.

So lend your support to the community – buy your tickets for Calgary Cares 2007!