Non-for-profits have never been so fashion forward.

     Victoria Wilson, founder of the New Vision of Hope Foundation held her Third Annual Red Ribbon HIV/AIDS Education Benefit Gala at the forever-regal Victor Hotel. The guest list was as impressive as Wilson’s mission statement thanks to Anthony Green, the Victor Hotel's event planner. Local fashion designers, entertainers such as the acclaimed James Earl Jones II, authors and more all gathered to toast another successful year of the New Vision of Hope and its mission.

The front room of the Victor Hotel. The room has a modern medieval feel.

     Daniel Parker, author of the book African Art: Diaspora and Beyond was invited to recite "The Pulse of Morning ", a moving poem by Maya Angelou. A traditional African art collector as well as Professor Emeritus in the African American Studies Department at Olive-Harvey College, Parker took note of the natural blend of the organization’s creative message deliverance, the forward-thinking crowd and the beautiful Victor Hotel.

     "I think her [Wilson] message is excellent with a very serious cause," says Parker of Hyde Park.

     With a mission to educate, prevent and raise awareness among the youth, at-risk clients and low-income households, the New Vision of Hope Foundation takes a sincere, fresh and alternative approach to educating the public on HIV/AIDS. What better way to deliver her message then to tap into the guilty pleasure of shopping. Located in Little Village at 2838 W. Cermack, Wilson opened up a designer resale shop that offers customers more than designer labels for reasonable prices. Accessorize both your outfit and your mind at Wilson’s shop. In addition to clothes and accessories, customers can expect to receive educational brochures, flyers, and audiotapes on HIV/AIDS at the store. Wilson plays educational videos in the store to complement the brochures and flyers that customers receive. The shop also offers free HIV testing every Saturday where results are available in 20 minutes. Therefore, this pleasure is not so guilty after all.

The front view of Wilson's upscale resale shop. Customers can look forward to an educational shopping spree.

     "I was so taken aback from the information on HIV and AIDS cases," says Wilson. "I just had to think of a creative way to bring the messages of HIV and AIDS to the public."

     Wilson’s idea began to develop several years ago while working as an office manager for an HIV prevention agency. When asked if she would be interested in becoming an HIV instructor/educator, she agreed and became certified. In addition to Wilson’s certification, her personal experience with victims of the disease drove her to start the New Vision of Hope.

A graph of the HIV prevalance rates among the sexually active between 1987-2000. The estimated number of diagnoses of AIDS through 2002 in the United States is 888,575 according to the HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report.

     "I was an actress, dancer and singer for over 25 years, so I met a lot of people who passed away as a result of the disease," says Wilson.

     Neither a sad nor somber time but a time to celebrate and uplift, the Gala was hosted by Emmy award winning photojournalist Ken Bedford of ABC-7 TV with Chicago’s very own LeeAnn Trotter of NBC 5 as the MC. The Victor Hotel welcomed guests with delicious hors D’ oruvres and upbeat live entertainment. Guests could opt to participate in the silent auction that featured an assortment of goodies such as a Burberry scarf, a $75 Socca restaurant certificate and famous art pieces to name a few. Special guests included New York- based visual artist and MTV editor Kimberly Mayhorn and other noted individuals from Chicago’s TV and political fields. Mayhorn touched on how HIV/AIDS education could easily be implemented into the mainstream media.

The back room of the Victor Hotel. This room acts as a quiet getaway from the front room's sometimes livlier atmosphere.

     "I think the event is fabulous," says Mayhorn. "Education and the media are key in targeting young people. We live in such a media saturated time. I think if we have a show at 8 a.m., why not show a PSA on HIV/AIDS?"

A map of the estimated number of persons living with HIV/AIDS, December 1999. Illinois ranks six in the top 10 leading states with reported AIDS cases as of December 2002 according to the HIV/AIDS Survellance Report.

     The black-tie affair was never stuffy, snobby or boring. The guests all realized that Wilson’s cause is one worth celebrating and supporting.  Up- and- coming fashion designer Earnest Streeter is especially intrigued by Wilson’s fashion spin on HIV/AIDS education.

     "I think that fashion is power," says Streeter of Roger's Park. "To get people into her store says a lot about a person [Wilson]. In getting them into fashion, she is educating them on HIV/AIDS."

     To find out more information or to make a donation to the New Vision of Hope, visit their website at http://www.newvisionofhope.org/index.html

     To find out more information about the Victor Hotel and upcoming events, visit http://www.victorhotelchicago.com/

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