The White Party (sponsored by Care Resource)

Rick Siclari, Executive Director of Care Resource, interrupted our brunch inside of the Versace mansion to explain a growing concern- the rising number of HIV cases in South Florida. In fact, South Florida has the highest rate of HIV transmission in the country. Siclari explained that this deadly virus was the reason we were at the White Party- one of the largest HIV/AIDS fundraisers in the nation.

Frank Wager co-founded the White Party as a fundraising event for the then Health Crisis Network. Twenty years later, the party has evolved into a week long event and the main fundraising drive for it's organizers, Care Resource (the merger of Health Crisis Network and Community Research Initiative).

White Party Week attracts thousands of participants with over 13 events, including a fundraising brunch at the Versace mansion, an exclusive beach party, a New York Times celebrity speaker panel, and the legendary White Party at the Vizcaya Museum and Garden in Miami.

The Entertainment

World-class DJ's such as Peter Rauhofer, Victor Calderone and Tracy Young provided non-stop music at a variety of venues throughout Miami Beach. To my taste, the music was predominately club, but some participants longed for a more diverse selection. There was a big band concert, but after continual days of shirtless dancing more variety would've ensured that no one was left unsatisfied.

For those who like a little intellectual stimulation in between dips on the dancefloor, White Party Week hosted The New York Times Times celebrity speaker panel. Celebrity panelists, Carson Kressley, Simon Doonan, Jonathan Adler, Ramon Johnson, Guinevere Turner, Billy Bean and Chad Allen discussed important topics, such as gay marriage, gay relationships and coming out.

The Venue

White Party Week couldn't have chosen a better location. The tropical beauty of Miami Beach speaks for itself. It was obvious that the White Party planners took much care in choosing the most fabulous venues for our fundraising dollars. Greeting Carson Kressley on the beaches of Miami is one thing; hugging him in the atrium of the Versace mansion is another. Fly anywhere to hear Tracy Young spin a great set, but dancing to her beats outside of the stone clad Vizcaya Museum with an ocean view is an exhilarating experience.

The Conclusion

White Party Week isn't for the weak hearted or the small pocketed. VIP access to events reached in excess of $200, with smaller parties around $60-$100 for general access. Though attending all of the White Party Week puts a dent in your pocket, what better way to donate to HIV/AIDS programs, resources and awareness? In addition, ticket prices are tax deductible up to 25 percent.

Combating the number of HIV/AIDS cases throughout the world takes effort from each one of us. White Party Week has turned an otherwise overwhelming task into a rally for help and ultimately a cure for HIV and AIDS.