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Chicago, IL — Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) announced its major fund-raising event dates for 2008, adding "Jackets Required: The TPAN Tea," as well as setting the theme for this year's Aware Affair gala, "Superheroes."

In its second year, TPAN's "Chicago Takes Off" burlesque event is nearly sold out, and is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9 with two shows at 7 and 10 p.m. at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage. More than 60 volunteer performers, primarily from Chicago's dance community will adorn the Park West stage to produce the circus-themed show, "Under a Big Top." Under the direction of Keith Elliott and Todd Kiech, the event is expected to raise more than $150,000 for TPAN to help continue its HIV/AIDS programming. Tickets range from $50 to $300. For tickets or more information, visit www.tpan.com or call 773-989-9400.

New to TPAN's major fund-raising event schedule this year is "Jackets Required: The TPAN Tea," which will be held on Sunday, March 9 at 3:30 p.m. in the Palm Court of the Drake Hotel. This traditional English tea and champagne event will feature jackets designed by celebrities, fashion designers and artists that will be packaged with other great prizes and auctioned throughout the afternoon. The collection of jackets will be on display for preview in the Bloomingdale's store windows at the 900 N. Michigan Ave. location in February. The Tea is limited to the first 150 ticket purchasers. Tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased from the Jackets Required Web site at www.tpantea.org.

"We're excited to be adding "Jackets Required" to our repertoire of creative fundraising events this year," said Rick Bejlovec, TPAN's executive director. "The Drake Hotel's Palm Court provides the perfect comfortable, inviting space and ambiance we were looking for in selecting a venue for this event. Our cochairs, Larry Morse of Larry, Life by Design and TPAN board member Bill Capille of Bloomingdale's, have really created a unique event for us, our donors and the community. This is the perfect new event for TPAN this year."

The Ride for AIDS Chicago (RFAC) is slated for June 7 and 8. The two-day, 180-mile ride will leave from the campus of Northwestern University and journey to Williams Bay, Wisc. TPAN has joined efforts with Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) for this event. Riders are asked to raise a minimum $1,000, and all contributions benefit the agencies producing the event. The kickoff brunch for the RFAC will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon at Crew Bar and Grill, 4804 N. Broadway. For more information, visit www.rideforaids.org.

"After the success of last year's Aware Affair, we knew we had a perfect venue for 2008," said TPAN special events manager Rhett Lindsay. "Usually, it takes us a few months to select a theme for the gala, but in light of the election year, and the success of our programs and services at TPAN, along with the rustic, urban, industrial feel of the MCA Loft, there is no better theme than Superheroes for the Aware Affair 2008. It's entertaining, fun, and, best of all, sexy."

In 2007, TPAN introduced a new, lighter format to its gala, the "Aware Affair" and this year, they're making it even more fun and entertaining for their guests. The "Aware Affair: Superheroes" gala will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the MCA Loft. Tickets range from $200 to $300 and will be available in June at www.tpan.com.

For more information, call Rhett Lindsay at 773-989-9400 or visit www.tpan.com.

Submitted By Press Release

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