We are so very fortunate to live in a country where people from different backgrounds can come together for the greater good. It’s rather refreshing to put aside our differences and help those who need it most. This time of year makes helping others even easier as we’re engulfed with the holiday spirit. The end of the year also marks the deadline for last minute donations and those ever so important tax deductions. Of course, that’s not the sole reason you should donate or help others. We do it because we have caring hearts and sincerely want to help our neighbors.

Friends, now is the time to think about helping 300,000 of your neighbors. No, they’re not necessarily in your neighborhood. Some of them could be. 300,000 is the number of people who are infected by HIV/AIDS and are not even aware of it. That also means that because they are unaware, they are spreading the virus to others. That 300,000 number is only a base number. It’s growing everyday, adding to the 1.2 million Americans who know they are already infected with HIV/AIDS.

Those staggering numbers are enough to make all of us gasp. In a country like ours, with resources and the means to find cures, surely we can do something to help. Surely there is an answer to helping those individuals. Hearing you have HIV/AIDS is like hearing your death sentence. It’s mortifying and reminds you that your time here is oh so precious. Those of us who do not have the disease are blessed. We’re lucky.

We can share our blessings and actually do something this growing epidemic. For those of you in the NYC area, you can become a patron of the The Reality of FASHION the Reality of AIDS . The event is February 9, 2013 at the Altman Building. It’s not for a few months, but you can plan and give now, just in time for end of the year donations so you can write it off your taxes.

The Reality of Fashion the Reality of AIDS is fashion week event featuring celebrity models walking the runway to support AIDS United. The goal is to raise $1 for the 300,000 who have HIV/AIDS, but don’t know it. The ultimate goal is to raise over $300,000. We know that number is high, but have faith that we can come together to make a huge impact in our fight against HIV/AIDS.

The star-studded event will include:

Janice Dickinson of Americas Next Top Model
Ramona Rizzo of Mob Wives
Nikki Rae Walker of Big Rich Texas
Mike Ruiz of The A List New York
Anthony Lombardi of JerseyLicious
Jon Kutlu of Glam Fairy
Briella Calafore's of Glam Fairy
Jessica Romano of Glam Fairy
Ramona Singer of The Real Housewives of New York City
Alex McCord of The Real Housewives of New York City
Simon Van Kempen of The Real Housewives of New York City
Tiffany "New York" Pollard of I Love New York
Brittany Brower of Americas Next Top Model Cycle 4
Aviva Drescher of Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of New York City
And approximately 15 additional exciting yet to be revealed names.

Getting Involved
What makes this event is so amazing is that not only will everyone going and involved in the fashion show have a fabulous time, but it is also super easy to get involved make that ever so important difference. The first thing you can do is attend The Reality of FASHION the Reality of AIDS on February 9th. The second thing you can do is become a patron, which will make the biggest, most positive impact.

Patron gifts are suggested between the amounts of $2000 and $100,000. All Patrons are listed on the event website, within the event programs, and are thanked publicly via press and marketing materials. All donated patron amounts will be publicly displayed on http://www.realityontherunway.com . This is a great opportunity to even get your company involved and have a few coworkers join you. It’s a spectacular grass roots approach that will make your clients and customers proud to do business with you. Plus, the link on the website is great for SEO.

There are four levels of patron gifts. Each has perks that will make any fashionista giddy with excitement. By the way, tickets to this event make great Christmas gifts for those who love fashion.

$2000 - $5000
•2 tickets The Reality of FASHION the Reality of AIDS
•Priority row seating

$5500- $12,000
•2 tickets The Reality of FASHION the Reality of AIDS
•Priority row seating
•VIP celebrity gift bags
•Access to the VIP Celebrity Gifting Suite

$12,500- $20,000
•4 VIP tickets
•Priority row seating
•VIP celebrity gift bags
•Access to the VIP Celebrity Gifting Suite
•Backstage passes.

$20,500 +
•5 VIP tickets
•Front row seating
•Red carpet access
•VIP celebrity gift bags
•Access to the VIP Celebrity Gifting Suite
•Backstage passes
•Photo ops with reality stars
•On stage thank you
•Celebrity tweets

Tis the season to show love and kindness. Tis the season to reach out to our neighbors and offer a helping hand. We can’t solve all the world’s problems, but we can make a difference. 300,000 of our neighbors have no idea they need help. 1.2 million already need your help. HIV/AIDS epidemic isn’t going away. But we can help stop the spread of this disease. New Yorkers have a unique opportunity to get involved and make dent in this growing problem. All you have to do is become a patron and attend The Reality of FASHION the Reality of AIDS on February 9th. To make your pledge, please, email Monique Tatum at mailto:mtatum@beautifulplanning.com or call 877.841.7244.