It's a Red Tie Affair
Published Wednesday October 28th, 2009
Break out your red tie and get ready for a progressive culinary experience, as you celebrate International Chef's Day and support AIDS New Brunswick.
The annual Red Tie Affair is in its third year and it promises to be a wonderful chance to step outside your box and try something new.
"People should come out to The Red Tie Affair to try some new things and by that I don't mean just the food," says Nick Scott, executive director of AIDS New Brunswick.
Not that the food isn't well worth coming out for.
"We have chefs who are preparing exclusive menus for the evening, so anybody who is interested in food adventure, this is an excellent chance to try new things," he says. "But the diversity of the crowd would also qualify as a new experience for a lot of folks."
Three of the city's finest restaurants are taking part in this year's event - the Crowne Plaza, Racines and The Blue Door.
"The event originally coincided with International Chef's Day, so it was partially a celebration of that and it was a chance for the chefs to get creative and try new things, fancy dishes," says Scott.
The event is taking place Saturday, Oct. 31. The progressive dining experience gets underway at 6:30 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary glass of wine at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. At 7:30 p.m., everyone breaks off and goes to their pre-chosen restaurant where they will have a choice of three dishes. At 9:30 p.m., participants will return to the Crowne Plaza ballroom to indulge in a wonderful array of desserts and enjoy the musical talents of The Cathy Hutch Band.
The cost for the event is $100 per person with a $40 tax receipt provided.
"We will also be having a balloon bust fundraiser. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase a balloon for $15 or $30 and they're guaranteed to win a prize of at least the value of the balloon, but there is a chance for winning a larger prize," says Scott.
The main prize this year is two tickets to a Playhouse show. Also to be won are a jewelry set from Aitkens Pewter featuring earrings, a necklace and a bracelet, artwork from Gallery Opaque, lift tickets to Crabbe Mountain, gift certificates and more.
The money raised through the Red Tie Affair goes to support the work of AIDS New Brunswick.
"Specifically, the funds raised from this event go towards organizing a gathering for persons living with HIV and AIDS in New Brunswick," he says.
This weekend retreat is called the Annual Fall Forum.
"These gatherings are opportunities for positive folks to come together and network, socialize and just get that peer support that can be hard to come by in a province like New Brunswick where everyone is spread out, in the rural areas especially."
It helps to mitigate the feeling of being alone, says Scott.
"Furthermore, it's an opportunity for skills building. AIDS New Brunswick puts on workshops and other types of skills building events at these gatherings as well. It's a forum to have the voice of (person's living with HIV/AIDS) heard and influence the direction of AIDS New Brunswick and possibly influence policy in the province."
AIDS New Brunswick also does work in prevention and education and awareness, he says, but support work for those who are affected by HIV/AIDS is absolutely crucial.
"It is their experience ... that should be guiding our work," he says.
James Lord Edwards, president of the AIDS New Brunswick board, has had the pleasure of attending past Red Tie galas and says there are a number of reasons people should come out this year.
"First and foremost for myself, especially as a person living with HIV, it's a great opportunity (to help). Often people say 'I want to do something, what can I do?' Coming to the event is one way that someone can help because the money raised is going towards direct support for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the capacity that it allows AIDS New Brunswick to hold retreats and those retreats are just so invaluable," he says.
If that isn't reason enough, he says, the gala is also a great opportunity to experience some of the amazing cuisine that Fredericton has to offer, enjoy great entertainment, hang out with old friends and make some new ones.
"The first year we went, I wasn't on the board. Seeing all that energy, I had to be a part of this," says Lord Edwards. "Everyone was laid-back, everyone was having a great time. It's a good night out."
He has also attended some of the retreats that have been made possible thanks to the money raised through past Red Tie Affairs.
"A couple of weeks ago we held a retreat at Broadleaf Ranch and it was a direct result of money that had been raised at last year's Red Tie event," he says.
People go to retreats for different reasons. Some are there to spend time with others experiencing the same ups and downs with HIV/AIDS as they are. Others are there for social or educational opportunities.
"You come out of that weekend ... and you feel really energized. Oftentimes, people who are positive, you have the support of your friends and your family, but if you're really having a bad day on your medication, someone who really doesn't know what that's about can support you (but they don't really understand)," he explains.
At the retreat, you can find someone who truly does understand what you're experiencing.
"That type of direct support is so therapeutic. Having those types of events where you get an opportunity to share what is really going on with your life ... is life-changing."
During this year's gala, AIDS New Brunswick plans to award the former lieutenant-governor, Herménégilde Chiasson, a lifetime achievement award for his patronage. As well, notes Lord Edwards, the organization recently confirmed the new lieutenant-governor, Graydon Nicholas, as its honorary patron.
To learn more about The Red Tie Affair, visit www.aidsnb.com/redtieaffair or go to the AIDS New Brunswick Facebook page. These spots will explain how to get tickets, or you can call 459-7518.
"It's first come, first choice for which venue you'd like to attend," says Scott, so call right away to ensure you get your first pick for restaurant.
"I'd encourage people to go to the website, look at the menu, then call us and make your choice," says Scott.
He really hopes people come out to be part of this entertaining evening to raise money for an important cause.
"The Red Tie Affair, it's a opportunity for people to step out of their social circles, and expand their social circles and meet new people," he says.
So don your red tie and enjoys an evening of fun and great dining pleasure.
"The diversity will only make us stronger," adds Scott.
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