Every year, the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland hosts its annual ArtCares benefit fundraiser. This year’s version takes place at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, May 16 at the Cleveland Masonic Auditorium.
ArtCares 2015 honors this year’s ArtCares Icon, John Farina. Farina has been a committed, unwavering supporter in various roles, including as a member of the organization’s staff (twice) and in numerous volunteer roles – including chair of ArtCares in 2011. He and his fiancé, Adam Tully, own and operate the Maria Neil Art Project in Collinwood’s historic Waterloo Arts District. Farina was recently appointed ARTneo’s Executive Director, and is serving as the Arts & Culture Coordinator for the upcoming renewal of Cuyahoga County’s cigarette tax levy that supports Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Last year, he completed his four-year term as President of SPACES’ Board of Directors. Farina and Tully are also avid art collectors, and have been active supporters of the arts through various efforts formany years.
To honor Farina and his efforts in Cleveland for the past 25 years, an anonymous donor has purchased a limited number of tickets to help as many members of the community as possible come together to celebrate the work of the organization to which Farina has so passionately dedicated himself. These tickets are on a first come, first served basis. To inquire, call Rebecca Murray-Strong at 216-621-0766 ext. 2915.
“I am very humbled by this special contribution and am very excited that we will be able to open this great event up to the community in this way,” says Farina, “with so many new and important developments at the Taskforce – such as the introduction of a new pharmacy and clinic – this is a fun opportunity for everyone to learn about and support them.”
Highlighting the evening each year is the ArtCares art auction featuring work generously donated by artists living and working in (or at least with connections to) Northeast Ohio. This year, local artist and curator Kristen Rogers, of the renowned Progressive Art Collection, has curated a special exhibition of work by some of the region’s most accomplished artists.
Additional entertainment will be provided by Hot Djang and DJ Saint.
Proceeds help the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland provide crucial services such as counseling, case management, education for at-risk adults and youth, housing, public policy advocacy (lobbying), a food pantry and the new pharmacy and clinic that Farina mentioned above.
Established in 1983, the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland is the oldest AIDS service-based non-profit in Ohio. Every year, the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland helps more than 15,000 people, including more than 1,200 intensive case management clients.
Tickets are $50 per person. For tickets and more information, call 216-621-0766, ext. 2915 or visit aidstaskforce.org
(ArtCares 2015) Cleveland Masonic Auditorium, 3615 Euclid Ave
