reason or another do not benefit from our services anymore. We have a mobile testing and case management unit that we are bringingdirectlytoclients. We've also expanded our mental health care, and that's not really grant-funded,sothefundsweraise will help that program immensely.
who are our new choreographers and costumers. We wanted to give this year's event a new flavor and a more cohesive theme throughout. Then of course, the venue allows us to expand and allow more people to attend, which is always a good thing. Also, we still have the same talent from JM Best Entertainment in additiontoallthechanges.
Tell us about the Marriott Orlando World Center and why it's perfect to host Headdress Ball. It's the largest freestanding ballroom in Central Florida, so it was perfect to have a massive event space to host a massive event. Plus, Marriott has worked of the event and we wanted to bringthatback.
How excited are you to welcome Raven from RuPaul's Drag Race as a guest performer at Headdress Ball?
very well with us in the past. As you may know, Marriott has a very active LGBT employee group and they have worked well with us in past events. They are one of our topfundraisersforourAIDSWalk. We really wanted to work with the company not just at this one event but throughout the year too so this is going to be a great partnershipgoingforward.
Hope & Help is working with local florists once again for the headdresses. Why is this development important? We felt that working with local florists was essential to what Headdress Ball is. Local people and businesses, such as florists, drag queens, and so on being involved in the making of the event were crucial to the history
Also a service that's agencyfunded is our food pantry, which we offer in Orange County, because it's important for people with HIV/AIDS to take their medicinewithnutritiousfood.
Raven is an all-around great personwithareallybigheart,and she had already had many bookings at Pulse. We had set up her performance before the tragedy occurred there, and in the aftermath Raven's commitment was underscored and confirmed. She loves Orlando and the community here so I'm excited to see what shebringstotheevent.
What's your favorite aspect of the Headdress Ball?
Tell us how the money raised at Headdress Ball will expand the services that you currently offer.
What would you say to attendees and others who want to assist Hope & Help?
We provide a continuum of care for people living with HIV and AIDS, and that runs the gamut from medical care to case management to social support with peer mentors. We help people with the diagnosis, their doctorappointments,andsoon. We also have case workers who try to re-engage people who may have tested positive but for one
We're always expanding. We need volunteers to work with us, and we also welcome non-perishable goods and toiletries for our food pantry. With the community's help we can provide even more services, and a higher standard of services, tomorepeople.
Ienjoyallofit,butIparticularlyenjoy seeing people who may not be involved in the community come to this sort of event. People who may notgototheclubsanymore,orwho may not see our many performers on a daily basis, I like that they are impressed that we can bring togethersuchaworld-classshowin theirhomesetting.
For more information on the Hope & Help Center of Central Florida, visit hopeandhelp.org. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT