Love, Laird Co-Chair 22nd Red Tie Night

“The fight is still on, but there are fewer fighters today.” 

Oklahoma City— Once again Oklahoma City will be “seeing red” as the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund (OACF) presents the 22nd Annual Red Tie Night, being held Saturday, March 1, starting at 6pm in the Grand Ballroom of Oklahoma City’s Cox Center.

Co-chairs for 2014 are Paula Love and Michael Laird. 

“Without a doubt, Red Tie Night is the social event of the year,” Love said. “We are excited to bring back the music of Dr. Larry ‘T-Byrd’ Gordon and the Music People Luv Orchestra. We have also put together some incredible, one-of-a-kind packages people have come to expect from our live auction, and we never disappoint!

“But while we are enjoying the celebratory atmosphere, the often unspoken theme of the evening is the compassion and support we have for our neighbors,” Love added.

An alarming number of young people are becoming infected with HIV/AIDS, according to statistics from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). Nearly 40 percent of all new infections occurred in the 20-29 age range, making prevention education and treatment a top priority in the fight against the disease.

“We have come so far in our battle against HIV/AIDS, but it is still a viable threat. The fight is still on, but there are fewer fighters today,” Love said. “We need to continue our educational efforts and let everyone know this disease, while becoming more manageable, is still something that desperately needs to be prevented.”

Red Tie Night is the sole fundraiser for the OACF, with more than $1 million typically generated throughout the evening. Proceeds help support Oklahoma agencies that provide preventative measures and clinical services and support to those living with and who are at risk for HIV/AIDS.

“Since its inception more than 20 years ago, our generous patrons have supported this cause and undoubtedly saved so many lives in the process,” Laird said. “We continue to work toward an ‘AIDS-free generation’ and we need support as much now as in the early days of the disease.” 

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the number of people living with HIV infection in the United States is higher than ever, with more than one million adults and adolescents infected. Another significant CDC trend shows the great majority of persons with HIV do not transmit it to others, likely due to effective prevention efforts and improved testing and treatments.

More than 50,000 new cases continue to arise each year, according to the OACF’s vice president. “There have been many exciting developments in HIV/AIDS care,” said David Chansolme, MD. “But challenges remain. Identifying at-risk populations and testing broad demographics will continue to be a focus so we can identify asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals and get them the care they need.

“Right now, early identification through testing and subsequent initiation of therapy is our best strategy for defeating HIV,” he said.

The OACF continues to provide valuable resources to projects that promote HIV testing, education and follow-up. Individuals who are infected receive support with medication, housing, food, legal aid and other important services that ensure long-term care.

“We must keep our momentum,” Love said. “Today HIV/AIDS is a more manageable illness, but the stigma is still there. That needs to end.

“Additionally, people who are infected are living longer, healthier lives with the proper treatment, which is expensive. That is why funding the OACF is so vitally important,” she added.

The OACF in 2013 awarded grants totaling more than $748,000 to 20 projects throughout Oklahoma.

Red Tie Night is held annually the first Saturday in March. The OACF was formed in 1991 by Jackie and Barbara Cooper, and the first Red Tie Night was held in 1992. The event has grossed more than $11 million dollars throughout its history, with 100 percent of the proceeds remaining in Oklahoma.

For additional information on Red Tie Night or the OACF, phone 405.348.6600 or visit the website at www.okaidscarefund.com

The Gayly - February 18, 2014 @ 3pm