Members of the HIV/AIDS Foundation Executive pose next to the Mercedes Benz that is being raffled. From left: Mrs Arletta Bickerton, Treasurer; and Mr Purnell Thomas, Secretary. Photo: Provided

On Saturday October 1, 2016 Members of the Foundation were busy decorating the Benz, which is currently on display in the vicinity of Caribbean Insurers. Adornments of glistening red tinsels, attention grabbing posters, and promotional sample plates were placed on the vehicle with the aim of attracting more public attention.

The enhancements and additional elegant events have one aim ---TO SELL MORE TICKETS. Treasurer of the BVI HIV/AIDS Foundation, Arletta Bickerton divulged that the organisation’s objective is to increase ticket sales, and in this regard, she noted that the Foundation is ‘amping’ its promotional efforts: “We are trying to do things very different, because we realise that we are not the only ones in the game,” she explained.

The first of the October events will be a two-hour wine tasting which is a collaborative effort between the Foundation, Caribbean Insurers Ltd (CIL), and Roadtown Wholesale. The wine tasting will be held at the Caribbean Insurers courtyard, and is scheduled to commence at 5:30 P.M.

Mrs Bickerton disclosed that during the wine tasting the Foundation will be raffling six prizes in addition to selling tickets for the Mercedes Benz: “We have partnered with some of the best stores on Tortola, and they are giving us vouchers for over $100. There is no way you can lose ---you spend $100, and you can get more than $100 in addition to this car; so, we are encouraging the community to come out and support us.”

“The idea of the prizes is to help people recognise that you spend $100 on a ticket, and you have an opportunity, in addition to winning the car. You have an opportunity to win more prizes valued more than $100. We do still have tickets in stock so we are encouraging people to come out and really buy the tickets,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Foundation is continuing its ticket delivery tradition, and reminded that persons only have to call the numbers on the posters and Foundation members will transport tickets.  “We deliver tickets so if you just call those numbers on the posters we can deliver the tickets to you. You don’t have to come to us, that’s how easy we are making it,” the Treasurer said.

A second wine tasting is expected to take place at Village Cay, but the details are still being worked out. However, the plans for the second signature October event are being finalised; and Foundation members disclosed that the soiree will be held at the end of October, and is being called “Ladies Night.”

Mrs Bickerton mentioned that the idea for the October 29, 2016 Ladies Night is to create a fun and unforgettable evening for women in the community.

The Foundation's Treasurer also noted that the organisation has two events tentatively planned for November, and she promised that as soon as those plans become firm an announcement will be made to the public.

“We will keep the public abreast of what is happening, we just need you to come out and support our cause. It’s a good cause,” she said.

The Mercedes Benz raffle tickets are priced at $100. Persons interested can purchase tickets at Caribbean Insurance or contact any member of the Foundation at 542-5655 or 542-LOVE (5683) to have their tickets delivered. The draw will take place on World AIDS Day, which is December 1st, 2016. Additionally, cooperate and private citizens are further encouraged to make contact to obtain details and more information on the Foundation by calling (284) 542-5683 or emailing: info@hivaidsbvi.com.