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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNFORGETTABLE: Aids Housing Santa Barbara Celebrates Another Successful
Light Up the Night Gala and Fundraiser on December 10, 2004
By the time guests began heading home on December 10, 2004, it was clear that
Aids Housing Santa Barbara had pulled off yet another successful Light
Up the Night gala and Christmas tree auction. As volunteers began clean-up
duty at the Music Academy of the West and the beautifully decorated Christmas
trees were wrapped and delivered to their new owners, Aids Housing Santa Barbara
began to evaluate this year’s annual fundraiser. The verdict? This year
was a winner. “It’s the most successful and beautiful party we’ve
had. There was terrific entertainment that frankly made it unforgettable. We’re
looking forward to next’s year event, as well. Everyone left smiling,” said
Randy Sunday, Executive Director of Aids Housing Santa Barbara, about last Friday’s
event.
Not only was this year’s Light Up the Night visually stunning,
thanks to acrobatic and burlesque performances by Cirque Destino and a laser
light show by NewAje Laser, but the evening was a fundraising bonanza. Randy
Sunday said that the exact figures are still being tabulated, but it appears
right that Aids Housing Santa Barbara raised approximately $40,000 at this year’s Light
Up the Night. That is more money than they’ve ever raised during
that fundraiser, which is good news for residents at Sarah House, Aids Housing
of Santa Barbara’s home for people living with Hiv or Aids. The funds raised
this year will also help develop the organization’s new hospice efforts
at Sarah House.
So, what’s the secret to their success? Randy Sunday said that it is the
support of the community, volunteers, staff and residents ( and a $20,000 donation
for the party by Summerland Lotto winner Kevin Harder) that made this year’s
event a hit. As Sunday said, “It couldn’t have been as successful
as it was without all of our supporters, old and new who made it a real uplifted
event. I just want to recognize that this community is very supportive. Our community
should be proud.”
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