Gainesville residents came out and partied for a cause Monday night, helping to raise money and awareness in preparation for World AIDS Day on Wednesday.
Carmen Joy, a junior painting major at UF, organized the event at 2nd Street Speakeasy because the cause is one she feels passionate about.
“It’s been put on the back burner, and it’s one disease that is actually 100 percent preventable,” Joy said.
The event began at 7:30 p.m. with a cover of $5, 100 all of which went toward MAC AIDS Fund, which helps improve the quality of life for those living with AIDS in local and international communities, she said.
The $5 also bought participants a raffle ticket toward gifts like a MAC makeup basket, products from Salon Raven and a fragrance and beauty basket from Macy’s.
A portion of proceeds from drinks also went toward the fund. Joy said she hopes to continue the fundraiser as an annual or semi-annual event.
“If this year is successful, it creates a good foundation for future years,” she said, “which is actually my goal.”
