Code Red: raising funds and AIDS awareness

By: Charlie Upchurch

Posted: 11/17/08

It's human nature to avoid things that scare you. However, certain Kansas Citians are prepared to make sure that our community is well-educated about the prevention of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a disease with a scary reputation.

"As a member of the heterosexual community, I know that people are scared of AIDS," said Lauren Jones, University of Kansas graduate student and co-chair of the Millennial League, an AIDS-awareness group in Kansas City.

"People don't want to talk about it and we want to change that," Jones said. "We have to get people to be realistic-this effects everyone."

With World AIDS Awareness Day just around the corner on Dec. 1, the Millennial League is working to make sure our community is as educated as possible about the prevention of the disease.

"The Millennial League is an organization that was started because the activists were all older people, really," said Ryan M. Chambers, a manager with New Theater Restaurant in Overland Park and member of the Millennial League.

"Approximately 75% of the new infections are in the 18-24 year old range," he said. "We wanted to reach a younger crowd because that's the area where people were really being affected."

There are currently more than 5,000 people with AIDS living in the Kansas City 11-county area, according to the Kansas City Health Department. The Millennial League's goal is to prevent more people from getting AIDS by educating them on the facts about prevention.

"AIDS is a life-changing event that usually happens out of a momentary lapse in judgment," said Chambers. "We want to educate people on how to avoid those lapses."

The group is hosting a Code Red Event on Nov. 26 to raise awareness in the community and to raise funds for AIDS awareness. The event will be held at the Berg Event Space, located at 1525 Grand Street, in Downtown Kansas City.

"General admission tickets are $20-from 8 p.m. to midnight. you get free food and drinks-Miller Light and Code Red's signature cosmos," said Jessica Cox, professional musician in the Kansas City area and Chair of Host/Hospitality Committee for Code Red.

VIP tickets are $75, which includes a reception from 7-8 p.m. with more freebies and an intimate cabaret show with Daisy Bucket and Dirty Dorothy, notable Kansas City performers who are regulars at Sidekicks Saloon's Sunday drag shows.

But even if you can only afford the general admission ticket, the night will be worth your while, according to Chamber.

"Why should people come out? Great entertainment, free booze, free food, what else could you ask for?" Chamber said.

After the event, your ticket will also get you specials at local bars including Bistro 303 and Missie B's in Westport.

The Millennial League is trying to have promotional events once a month to raise awareness and show the public the group is prominent and active in the community, according to Cox. They will be at Bistro 303 from 8-10 p.m. on Nov. 19 promoting the group and selling tickets.

You can also visit the group's website to get a ticket at codered.eventbrite.com.

Though the event will focus on having a good time, the funds raised will go toward a good cause and help educate the community on how to actively combat AIDS, instead of ignoring it.

"Initially, one of our purposes was to get out there and say, 'It's not scary, go out there and get tested,'" said Jones. "A lot of people are scared, they don't want to acknowledge it. It's a realization, though: don't be scared to know."

cupchurch@unews.com