Formerly known as the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Vivent Health has a well-earned national reputation for leading the fight against HIV/AIDS. It took time and support to build to this point, two things reflected in the organization’s “Make A Promise” gala coming up next Friday, May 31.
This year’s event is the 38th installment, with the first organized by a group of local gay men in 1986. Almost four decades later, the gala has grown to now be held in the Baird Center and includes storytelling, an awards ceremony and a full slate of music.
On that last front, Nashville musicians Chauntee and Monique Ross — also known as SistaStrings — will return to their hometown of Milwaukee and lead the evening’s entertainment. Joining them will be Mrs. Fun, Latin Swing Factor, and Ben Mulwana and The Village. The organization will also honor Milwaukee Pride president and CEO Wes Shaver with the Leadership Award, and StreetLife Communities with the Community Award.
Proceeds from the event will support the Dr. Brian P. Buggy Thrive Together Fund in partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. The fund is used exclusively to cover any unreimbursed costs of live-saving patient care and support — an extension of Vivent Health’s overall mission to serve people of color and the LGBTQ+ community most affected by HIV.
In 2023 alone, the organization absorbed $5.1 million in unfunded care and social services. Events like the gala help bridge that financial gap and ensure Vivent Health can continue fighting disease, homelessness and hunger experienced by the people it serves.
There are a few tickets still available for the “Make A Promise” gala, starting at $100 for individuals and $1,000 for a table of eight. For more information, visit the event website.
