PHOENIX — The fifth annual RED is the Night, the largest fund-raiser of the year for Aunt Rita’s Foundation, will fill the evening on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Walter Where?House, 702 N. 21^st Avenue in Phoenix.

Presented by Mail-Meds Clinical Pharmacy, the theme for this year’s event is “An Evening in Wonderland: A Costume Ball.”

RED is the Night supports Aunt Rita’s programs and philanthropy. Among the programs are 

• the Positive Empowerment Youth Retreat for youth who are HIV positive
• the Diversity and Cultural Council to assist minority populations who are newly diagnosed and to advise on best practices to lower incidence rates in our highest-risk communities
• HIV and Aging initiatives to provide support and eliminate isolation for our community members 50 and over who are living with HIV representing half of the HIV population.

Individual ticket prices range from $250-$1250 depending upon associated benefits. Table sponsorships start at $2400 for a table of eight with party favors and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit redisthenight.org. For sponsorship information and opportunities, email victor@auntritas.org.

Other sponsors are Bank of America and Spectrum Medical - Dinner and Dessert Sponsors; Walgreens, Sonora Quest Laboratories, Mercy Care, Phoenix Fast-Track Cities, Genoa Healthcare, All of Us Research Program, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Hensley Beverage Company– End the Stigma Sponsors; and ION Arizona and Phoenix Pride – Friends of Aunt Rita’s Sponsors.

RED is the Night co-chairs are Becky and Dr. Dan Lieberman, a retired neurosurgeon, who own and operate Phoenix Spine and Joint ambulatory surgery centers.

The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes cocktails, dinner and dancing. A VIP reception takes place from 5-6 p.m. Dress code is cocktail attire or dressing to the Alice in Wonderland theme.

With roots in Phoenix since 1988, Aunt Rita’s Foundation states it is is dedicated to the elimination of and suffering from HIV and AIDS through collaborations with Arizona HIV service organizations and local and statewide government agencies. Aunt Rita’s Foundation helps fund HIV programs at 14 non-profit organizations through more than $2 million in grants.

For more information about Aunt Rita’s Foundation, visit www.auntritas.org.

Editor’s note: The above was republished from an Aunt Rita’s Foundation news release.