MEDIA CONTACTS: Katie O’Malley, (312) 334-0935 [email protected] Johnathon Briggs, (312) 334-0922 [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2009 HIV-Positive Fashion Designer and Former “Project Runway” Contestant Jack Mackenroth Will “Make A Statement” May 7 At AIDS Fashion Fundraiser A Night of Fashion, Cocktails and Advocacy Hosted by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Junior Board Encourages Young Adults to Get Tested in Lead-up to National HIV Testing Day CHICAGO – The city’s hottest advocates and fashionistas will work the runway Thursday, May 7 to fight HIV and AIDS and encourage young Chicagoans to know their HIV status at the 3rd annual Make a Statement: Design for the Cure , the signature event of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Junior Board. This high-energy fashion show and cocktail event will be hosted by designer and radio personality Heidi Hess at River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St., from 7:00-10:00 p.m. HIV-positive fashion designer and former “Project Runway” contestant Jack Mackenroth will participate in this year’s event to discuss his experience living with HIV for more than 20 years as well as his latest project, a national initiative called Living Positive by Design (LPBD). LPBD is an HIV and AIDS education campaign sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. that aims to combat the stigma associated with HIV and highlights the importance for people living with HIV to have a positive outlook on life while effectively managing their disease. “We’re thrilled that Jack will be joining us to make knowledge about HIV and AIDS fashionable,” said Maggie Connell, AFC Junior Board president. “That knowledge can save your life or the life of someone you love.” Make a Statement: Design for the Cure showcases the talents, passions, and resources of the Chicago fashion community as weapons in the fight against HIV and AIDS. The event targets young Chicagoans between the ages of 21-35 – a group disproportionately affected by the epidemic. This year’s event will culminate with a runway show by Chicago’s top designers, including 5p1t, Akira Chicago, Heidi Hess, Kate Boggiano, Kwabena, Lara Miller, Serpico, SkinStinct, and Universal Gear. This event is made possible by the generosity of the following event partners: Living Positive by Design, Katie Freeman from Edward Jones, Chicago Real Estate Resources, American Airlines, Me&Ro, mini bar, Stone Lotus Lounge, and Chicago Free Press. Ticket prices begin at $65. To purchase, call (312) 922-2322 or visit aidschicago.org/makeastatement . ### Founded by community activists and physicians in 1985, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a catalyst for local, national, and international action against HIV/AIDS. Members of its Junior Board mobilize young Chicagoans to act against AIDS. aidschicago.org .