Sold-Out Winter Ball Dinner Dance Raises Awareness for The Long Island GLBT Network HIV/AIDS Services

More than 250 people joined The Long Island GLBT Network (The Network) on Saturday, December 7th, 2013 for its Winter Ball dinner dance at the Historical Thatched Cottage in Centerport. The event not only supported awareness of HIV/AIDS on Long Island but also helped The Network surpass its goal of raising $30,000.

Proceeds from the annual fundraiser, which is in commemoration of World AIDS Day, support The Network’s HIV/AIDS outreach, which includes testing, prevention, education, and support services that take place throughout the year. Winter Ball sponsors include TD Bank, Town Total Specialized Pharmacy Services, Capital One, Briarcliffe College, Christopher J. Chimeri, ESQ and IslandCare Pharmacy.

“The success of this year’s Winter Ball dinner dance is a testament to just how strongly Long Islanders and the wider community feel about raising awareness of and offering support for the important work we do all year with our HIV/AIDS programs. More than half of the men diagnosed with HIV or AIDS on Long Island are gay and bisexual, making it clear that our community has a necessity for the types of services we provide. To see a turn out of more than 250 people, and a 12% increase in donations from the previous year is astonishing. We want to thank everyone who participated in this annual event and look towards continuing our great work for as long as it’s needed,” said Dr. David Kilmnick, Chief Executive Officer of The Network.

 Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (LIGALY) offers ongoing drop-in HIV/AIDS testing at The Long Island GLBT Community Centers (The Center) throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, including Garden City on Thursdays, from 5-8pm; Bay Shore on Wednesdays, from 5-8pm; and Sag Harbor on the first Friday of the month, from 4-8pm. For more information, please call 631.665.2300.