Artwerks Red Ribbon Weekend April 7th, 8th and 10th

Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation And ARTWERKS Gallery & Studios To Partner For "Red Ribbon Weekend", Featuring Three Days Of Fundraising Events and HIV/AIDS Outreach

Corpus Christi, TX -- March 15, 2005 -- Since it's inception in 1986, the Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation (CBAF) has been committed to preventing the spread of HIV in our community and to improving the quality of life for persons living with HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, while the number of cases continues to climb, the funding desperately needed to continue services - including free and confidential testing, educational outreach, prevention programs and medical assisstance - continues to dwindle due to massive federal and state funding cuts. With over 2,000 reported cases in the twelve counties serviced by CBAF and an increase in the number of young minorities contracting HIV, the need for funding has reached critical proportions. In an effort to boost revenue, CBAF and Artwerks Gallery & Studios will host "Red Ribbon Weekend", a Spring-themed gala weekend featuring three fundraising events to be held April 7, 8 & 10.

"Red Ribbon Weekend" will kick-off on Thursday, April 7 with "The Collector's Tour", a rare opportunity to tour Charles Kaffie's prestigious private art collection and his stately Ocean Drive home. Guests will be treated to a wine and champagne tasting with a noted local wine steward, mouthwatering hors d'ouevres and classical live music, all while marveling at this eclectic collection of modern and traditional art in one of the most beautiful oceanfront settings in the city. 6pm - 9pm. Tickets for this event are $100 and are very limited. To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact Jeffrey Linthicum at ARTWERKS Gallery (4333 South Alameda - 361.980.9375).

Friday, April 8, ARTWERKS Gallery & Studios will host "The Greenhouse Effect", a funky and fun art opening featuring Spring and flower-themed works by local artists, a silent auction, live entertainment, food and beverages, door prizes and surprise performances throughout the evening. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are just $25 and will be available for purchase at ARTWERKS Gallery & Studios (4333 South Alameda), the Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation offices (400 Mann Street) and Doohicki's Salon (1010 Santa Fe in Gaslight Square). Anyone wishing to donate to the silent auction and any artists who would like to submit pieces for the show should contact Adam Rios at CBAF (361.814.2001) or Jeffrey Linthicum at ARTWERKS Gallery (361.980.9375).

Have a passion for fashion? Our "Red Ribbon Weekend" finale' event, "The Garden Party", Sunday, April 10th, will whet your appetite for head-turning style. ARTWERKS Gallery & Studios will host this unconventional "Project Runway"-esque fashion show where local businesses and organizations will get creative and compete for top honors. Spring and flower-themed creations by local fashion boutiques, students, salons and seamstresses will take a trip down the catwalk and be judged by the audience. Guests, who are encouraged to sport garden party attire, will enjoy fine tea, delicate finger sandwiches and more. 3pm - 5pm. Tickets are $30 and are very limited. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Jeffrey Linthicum at ARTWERKS Gallery (4333 South Alameda - 361.980.9375)

For information on volunteering for any of the events or for donating: Adam Rios, CBAF - 361.814.2001 or Jeffrey Linthicum 361.980.9375

Contacts:

Adam Rios

Education Outreach, Client Services

Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation

400 Mann Street

Suite 800

Corpus Christi, Texas 78401

361.814.2001