Posted: May 2, 2003

Spotlight 2003 Raises Over $248,000 for the Indiana AIDS Fund

Amount Raised Increases by 65 Percent Over 2002

Indianapolis--Despite a sluggish economy and shrinking corporate budgets, Spotlight 2003 raised a record $248,985 for the Indiana AIDS Fund. The April 14 event, held at the Indiana Civic Theater, featured performances from 16 of Indianapolis' most prominent performing arts organizations.

The donations were raised from ticket sales and 41corporate, organizational and personal sponsorships and a $75,000 matching grant from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Since its inception in 1994, the event has raised nearly $600,000 for the Indiana AIDS Fund. Last year's event raised $162,350. Each year, The Indiana AIDS Fund uses the money to provide grants to organizations across the state serving and/or advocating on behalf of HIV/AIDS patients.

"We're very fortunate to have increased the amount we've raised every year," said Betty Wilson, executive director of the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis. "The most surprising aspect of this year's event is that we nearly doubled the number of sponsors. This generous outpouring of community support in this tough economy will provide many HIV/AIDS service organizations across the state with much needed financial assistance."

The 10th anniversary of the event will be held Monday, April 19, 2004, at the Indiana Civic Theater. Ticket information and event details will be available at a later date.

The arts groups participating in Spotlight 2003 were the American Cabaret Theatre, American Pianists Association, Ballet Internationale, Brenda Williams, Dance Kaleidoscope, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Indianapolis Civic Theatre, Indianapolis Men's Chorus, Indianapolis Opera, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, InterAction Theater, Inc., Meridian Song Project, Phoenix Theatre and Suzuki & Friends.