GREGORY HOUSE PROGRAMS
Hawaii’s Statewide HIV/AIDS Housing Agency

 PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Contact: Jon Berliner, Executive Director    (808) 592-9048

 Gregory House Programs Annual Dinner - Auction - Fundraiser and 20^th Year Anniversary Celebration with Annual Kahu Malama Award being Presented to Senator Daniel Akaka 

 Honolulu, September 15, 2008; Gregory House Programs will host its annual dinner auction fundraiser, MANGIARE BENE, at the Hawaii State Art Museum at 250 Hotel Street, Honolulu on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm. 

The evening will included dinner, prepared by Downtown @ HiSAM (the restaurant in the Hawaii State Art Museum) featuring an eclectic mix of foods prepared with a Mediterranean flair, an open wine bar, entertainment featuring keyboardist Don Conover and friends, and a silent auction that will include art from local well-known artists, and a mix of other silent auction items such as items for the house, restaurant gift certificates, etc. 

 The highlight of the evening is the presentation of Gregory House Programs’ annual award, Kahu Malama, to be presented to Senator Daniel Akaka.  The Award is for Senator Akaka and his life’s work in supporting those less fortunate and, in particular, for his compassion and commitment to helping those with HIV/AIDS.  Senator Akaka was instrumental in securing funds to support Gregory House Programs and the renovation project of the Gregory House Transitional Housing facility.  The renovation is scheduled to begin late this year. 

 This year also marks the 20^th year anniversary of Gregory House Programs’ inception providing housing and support services for persons with HIV/AIDS throughout Hawaii.  The following local businesses are supporting the event through sponsorship and are instrumental in supporting the production of the event: Commercial Data Systems, Shanghai Tang, and DaKine Magazine. 

 Tickets are $100 and include dinner and wine bar, or $75 dinner only.  Tickets are available through Gregory House Programs.  Advance ticket purchase is recommended due to limited availability.   Any remaining tickets, after presales, can be purchased at the door the evening of the event. 

    “This is our signature event raising much needed funds” stated David Andreoli, Gregory House Program Board President.  “This event is an important avenue for the agency to raise the funds to support ongoing housing programs for the 200 households we serve each month and bring about awareness about HIV/AIDS and Gregory House Programs” said Andreoli. 

 “Housing is healthcare” stated Jonathon Berliner, executive director of Gregory House Programs.  “Without housing it is difficult to have any form of stability in life and maintain any form of physical and emotional well-being, especially when challenged with such a devastating disease as HIV and AIDS” stated Berliner. 

 Gregory House Programs is a non-profit Hawaii corporation established in 1988, serving the most vulnerable, providing rent assistance, emergency rent, utility assistance, temporary shelter, and supportive services to persons with HIV/AIDS throughout the State of Hawaii.  The agency relies on funding support through private and public grants, donations and fundraisers.  Gregory House Programs can be reached at 592-9022.   Gregory House Programs office is located at 770 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 503, Honolulu 96813.  

770 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 503, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813   808-592-9022 Facsimile 808-592-9049
“Housing is Healthcare"