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Indianapolis, September 29, 2004-- The Damien Center will host Grande Masquerade, its premier fundraising event to raise awareness and money to fight HIV/AIDS.

This year, Grande Masquerade will host two events: a black tie dinner gala on Saturday, October 23 at The Indiana Roof Ballroom and then, as a nostalgic nod to the event's original tradition conceived in 1987, a costume and dance party on Friday, October 22 at Talbott Street.

Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $1,000,000 to support the vital work of The Damien Center and its mission to prevent the spread of HIV and lessen the incidence of hunger, unemployment and homelessness for those in our community impacted by this disease.

Tracy Elliott, Executive Director of The Damien Center, is elated about the two events. "Because of the increase in HIV transmission here in Central Indiana, we are forced to expand our reach and embrace more--not fewer--people in crisis. Honoring a seventeen-year tradition by Grande Masquerade hosting two events to raise funds in support of our mission is truly an exciting opportunity for the Center. Now there are ways for a larger part of the community to support our important work"

On October 22, beginning at 9:00 p.m., Talbott Street opens its doors as host to Grande Masquerade's costume and dance party, "Apparition." The evening will entail costumes, dancing and special appearances by artists from the Indianapolis Opera. Tickets for the event are $10 and can be purchased at Talbott Street of by calling The Damien Center.

For it's part, the Saturday black tie dinner gala at the India Roof Ballroom will again be an event of new creative heights. This year, Grande Masquerade welcomes Dance Kaleidoscope, the Indianapolis Opera and the Indianapolis Men's Chorus to its entertainment stage, making an artistic statement to this year's pan-Asian theme, "Apparition."

Additionally, The Damien Center will be presenting its Positive Voices Award to Grande Masquerade Honorary Chairman, Matthew Cusick. Having perused a lifelong career of gymnastics and dance, Matthew had earned a place, performing with Cirque de Soleil. After disclosing his HIV-positive status during a routine physical examination with the dance company's doctor, he was fired two days later. Having won a landmark legal battle and forcing Cirque to adopt a new non-discrimination policy worldwide, Mathew has become a national spokesman, urging others to stand strong in the face of HIV/AIDS and discrimination.

The dinner gala begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, silent auction, the headline entertainment and dancing. Tickets for the event begin at $125.

For more information about Grande Masquerade and its events on Friday and Saturday, visit www.damien.org , email [email protected] or call 317.632-0123.