I received an email from Earl Pike about the upcoming ArtCares benefit for the AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland, at Saigon Plaza - here are some details from the Plain Dealer - this sounds like a great and clearly worthwhile event:

ArtCares party and auction will benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland: Close Up

By Joanna Connors, The Plain Dealer

April 11, 2010, 12:00AM

Like Cinderella, Cleveland is transformed. The city turns into New York's SoHo every year when the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland and the Cleveland Institute of Art put on ArtCares, an art auction and party to benefit the Taskforce.

The event draws between 200 and 400 people each year, who can bid in both silent and live auctions on works by students from the Cleveland Institute of Art and professional artists.

"You can expect to walk away with some really great art without breaking your budget," said Earl Pike, chief executive officer of the Taskforce. But you don't have to buy art to have fun, he said.

This year, artists, airbrushed models and drag queens will mingle with the guests as they drink, eat and bid Saturday in the open space of Saigon Plaza on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland.

"It's as much a hip happening as it is an art auction," Pike said. Here is a look at some of the items up for bid.

 

ArtCares

What: Party and auction to benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 17.

Where: Saigon Plaza, 5400 Detroit Ave., Cleveland.

Tickets: $50; $100 for VIP reception. E-mail rstrong [at] atfgc [dot] orgor call 216-621-0766, ext. 255.

Location