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HIV/AIDS Center celebrates 10 years

The HIV/AIDS Resource Center celebrated its 10-year anniversary yesterday by kicking off a new program, "Dining for Dollars."

About 150 people attended the event, held at Gandy Dancer restaurant.

The $100-a-plate fund-raiser opened HARC's fund-raising season, which will include future dinners at HARC members' homes.

"There are different themes, such as the Fabulous 70s and Hollywood," said HARC member Tim Bertrand, who worked at last night's fund-raiser.

Local businesses, including Espresso Royale Café and Borders Books & Music, contributed to the event with 67 items for a silent auction. The proceeds from the auction will support the agency's programs, said Program Coordinator Larry La Ferte.

HARC provides outreach, counseling and housing for HIV/AIDS patients in Jackson, Washtenaw, Livingston and Lenawee counties. The program assists a community of patients in obtaining health insurance and fulfilling other basic needs.

"(The restaurant) needs to support the community in which it lives," said Gandy Dancer Manager Dan Huntsbarger.

Gandy Dancer charged HARC only their own costs for the events dinner. Arbor Beverages donated wine for the event, amongst other donations.

The gifts donated by local businesses and members of the community are expected to pay for the event, La Ferte said. Many concerned members of the community donate money to HARC in lieu of attending the event, La Ferte said. As much as 85 percent of the money earned will go to direct care of patients.

Ann Arbor City Councilmember Christopher Kolb (D-5th Ward) helped organize "Dining for Dollars." Kolb is an honorary chair and a volunteer on HARC's outreach program, which provides information to the community.

HARC is also supported by 'aut Bar of Ann Arbor, owned by Keith Orr and Martin Contreras.

"It's important to give back to the community that's supporting us in business," Orr said. There is still a stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and the more we can do to de-mystify it, the better, Orr said.