31st Annual The Grande Masquerade set for October 20, 2018

Date

September 06, 2018

Category

For Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 6, 2018

The 31st Annual The Grande Masquerade set for October 20, 2018

Featuring special guest performer, Ross Mathews, for largest annual fundraiser

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Please join us on Saturday, October 20, 2018 for an opulent affair as we celebrate 31 years and push extravagance to the limit during The Grande Masquerade. The stunning gala for an anticipated crowd of over 700 guests, many in costumes inspired by a masquerade ball, has long been one of Indianapolis’s premier fundraisers. For the past 30 years, the event has raised vital money to help HIV care and prevention at The Damien Center. The Grande Masquerade, the Center’s largest annual fundraiser, raised more than $295,000 in 2017; funds that allow The Damien Center to continue offering its services completely free of charge and lowering the community’s HIV viral load. This year’s event will feature a special guest performance from one of the most in-demand LGBTQ+ television personalities, Ross Mathews.

This year’s event is expected to raise vital funds to support the Center’s mission to empower communities and people affected by HIV/AIDS by being a leading resource, provider, and advocate for comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, prevention, education, and related services. Ticket to this year’s event are $150 for general admission and $200 for VIP tickets. Guests may also purchase a general admission table for 10 at $1,500, a VIP table for 10 at $2,000, or a VIP Premier table for 10 at $2,500. Tickets are on sale now at www.damien.org/tix.

The event will kick off with a VIP reception featuring entertainment and cocktails for all tastes, and a silent auction packed with items and packages for everyone. Auction item donations are still being accepted - 317.632.0123 x269 for more information. The evening will also feature dinner, a live auction, a special performance by Ross Mathews, and of course, dancing!

With more than 12,000 people living with HIV in Indiana and a large portion of that population here in Marion County, The Damien Center is working harder than ever to serve our community. In 2017, the Center served more than 4,100 individuals with HIV care and preventative services. Our unique, one-stop-shop approach to HIV care and prevention is an effective model for driving down the viral loads of those affected by the virus.

The Damien Center is Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization. It is a leading resource, provider and advocate for comprehensive HIV/AIDS care, prevention, education and related services. For the latest up-to-date information on The Grande Masquerade, visit www.damien.org or follow The Damien Center on Twitter at @DamienCenter and like them on Facebook.

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The Damien Center leads the fight to prevent the spread of HIV and empowers persons in Central Indiana affected by HIV/AIDS to move forward each day with dignity. The Center offers vital supportive, preventive, and medical services to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS so they may live abundant and productive lives. We believe passionately in the dignity and worth of every person who seeks our services. We strive to be a safe and welcoming place so that no barriers separate people from the services they need to prolong and enhance their lives.