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Chicago, IL — Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) is honored to welcome Mary Ann Childers, Jay Levine and Karen Mason at its annual benefit gala, the Aware Affair. The September 10th event will be hosted by CBS 2’s Mary Ann Childers and Jay Levine, and will feature entertainment by Broadway star Karen Mason. In addition, TPAN will present its annual awards and unveil its national HIV awareness campaign, “Be Positively Aware.” (Event Details)

Aware Affair emcees Mary Ann Childers and Jay Levine have a long history with TPAN. They were hosts of TPAN’s Bringing Our Hearts Together in the mid 1990s, and have participated in many AIDS fundraising and education activities in Chicago. Childers has been a proven leader in the broadcasting industry on reporting AIDS issues since the epidemic began over 20 years ago.

Karen Mason grew up and began her professional career in Chicago. Her career has found tremendous success in New York. She is a six-time MAC Award winner and is one of the great talents on the Broadway stage. Mason originated the role of Tanya on Broadway in “MAMMA MIA!,” and garnered critical acclaim in the role of Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard on Broadway and in Los Angeles. Other Broadway and New York credits include “Torch Song Trilogy,” “And the World Goes Round,” and “Jerome Robbin’s Broadway.” Throughout her career she has maintained a powerful commitment to HIV/AIDS causes, giving her voice talent to fighting this disease. 

TPAN will present its annual awards at the Aware Affair. Writer, activist, and health advocate Jim Picket will be honored with the Chris Clason Committed to Living Award. Named for TPAN founder, this award recognizes individuals who exemplify the principles of empowerment and a commitment for living. The AIDS Legal Council of Chicago will be recognized for its legal advocacy and support for Chicagoans impacted by HIV / AIDS with the TPAN Leadership Award.
The Aware Affair is being held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago on September 10, 2004. Reception and silent auction will begin at 6:00pm and dinner will be served at 7:30pm. Tickets are $175 and $225, and are available at awareaffair.tpan.com or by calling (773) 989-9400.

The Aware Affair will raise critically needed funds for TPAN. TPAN provides peer-led HIV Treatment Education, programming, outreach, support services, information dissemination, and advocacy. TPAN publishes and distributes two HIV/AIDS journals, Positively Aware and Positively Aware en Español, as well as the bilingual Chicago Area HIV Services Directory, and the Chicago Area Directory of HIV Professionals.

Michael A. Leppen, Abbott Virology, C & M Medical Management, Gilead Sciences, and Roche Pharmaceuticals are directing sponsors for the Aware Affair. Boehringer Ingelheim, BMS Virology, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Pfizer, Orbitz, Serono, GlaxoSmithKline, PS 5244 Productions, and Statscript Pharmacy provide additional sponsorship. Chicago Free Press, Gay Chicago, Windy City Times, and ChicagoPride.com are providing media sponsorships.

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