Khepera Center's Aids Marathon Fundraiser Employs Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music

Proceeds from Montgomery County, MD event benefits Whitman-Walker Clinic.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) August 9, 2006

The Khepera Center for Expression & Social Change in conjunction with Renee Adolphe are sponsoring an AIDS Marathon Fundraiser Wednesday, Aug. 9th featuring the best in spoken word talent from DC and beyond, the 360 Band with Denise Henderson and DJ Dash from 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. at the Juste Lounge, 6821 Reed Street in Bethesda, MD.

The fundraiser, which represents the Khepera Center’s second arts event, benefits the Whitman-Walker Clinic, the largest community-based provider of HIV/AIDS services in the DC Metropolitan area.

“Though Khepera’s focus is building social change capacity through creative empowerment, we do partner with institutions and those supporting institutions that are directly addressing various social ills,” said Khepera Center Senior Fellow Eric Christopher Webb, who develops and directs educational programs as well as the institution’s outreach efforts. “Our commitment, particularly in addressing HIV/AIDS prevention, is especially clear.”

The center, whose mission is to establish a community of creative problem-solvers and social change agents that capitalize on the transformative and healing powers of expression and the Arts, employs creative empowerment coupled with prevention strategies to assists schools, community-based organizations, non-profit organizations and government agencies to build capacity and to also increase their effectiveness as potential social change agents.

Receiving support from the Maryland AIDS Administration, Khepera is developing a resource guide for educators, advocates and parents on HIV/AIDS as well as plans to distribute free latex condoms at the event.

According to statistics, more than one million Americans, and 40 million others around the world are living with HIV while the disease has already claimed more than 20 million lives and is the leading cause of death among all people aged 15 to 59 worldwide.

“The Khepera Center was such a natural fit on this issue because of their efforts, I knew they would do much to supplement my efforts to raise funds for Whitman-Walker,” said Adolphe, a licensed clinical professional counselor, who is running in the AIDS Marathon as well as serves as a program development fellow at the center.

Cost of the event is $10 from 6-8 p.m. and $15 thereafter. Those purchasing advance tickets are eligible to win a $50 gift certificate for McCormick & Schmidt’s Restaurant. Those who cannot attend, but wish to donate should visit: http://www.aidsmarathon.com, click on “sponsor a runner” and #4058.

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