Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) is pleased to announce that Barlesque 6: Pajama Party raised over $57,570 before closing on November 25 at Sidetrack in Chicago. This was an increase of nearly $32,000 over Barlesque 5 in 2012. Since its inception in 2009, Barlesque has raised over $120,000. The event started on Sunday, November 3 with a kick-off event at Minibar and ran for 22 days. The online strip-a-thon is a fundraising event for TPAN, Chicago’s oldest peer-led HIV service organization
Barlesque offered 17 bars in the Chicagoland area an opportunity to nominate one contestant to represent it during the 22-day long competition. (For a complete list of participating bars, please see the end of the release.) During this time, each contestant promoted themselves and raised donations. When each contestant reached a higher dollar level of donations, a new, more revealing picture was posted on the event website (www.barlesque.org). The cycle continued through the different levels until the contestant lost all of his or her clothes. The contest winner was determined by which contestant and bar raised the most money during the contest run. Kyle and Progress Bar were this year’s winners, raising $10,826 for TPAN.
“Being named ‘Chicago’s Sexiest’ is an honor. I’m proud to represent Progress Bar, as well as to help raise funds for such an important cause” said Kyle. “We were really excited to have won, but most importantly, we were just excited to be part of this great event.” said Progress Bar manager, David Sikora. “As a new business, it was important for us to support a cause that affects so many people in our community.”
“What impressed me this year was the camaraderie among contestants. They were competitive with each other, but in a fun and supportive way. There was a palpable feeling that everyone was doing something special to support our community. It was about much more than an individual win. We all won this year.” said KJ Heath, photographer and founding Barlesque committee member.
“We’re excited about the momentum that Barlesque gains each year,” said Jeff Berry, TPAN’s interim CEO. “In a time when HIV is still a prevalent issue in our community, it’s inspiring to see local businesses and community members step up to the plate and not only help make this event successful, but also demonstrate their commitment to TPAN and our mission.”
Also, TPAN’s 11th annual Ride for AIDS Chicago registration is now open atwww.rideforaids.org. This year’s ride takes place July 12-13, 2014. Registration for new riders and crew members is $100 and helps offset the cost of producing the event.
Many thanks to the following bars and contestants for their participation in Barlesque 6: Pajama Party:
Arben from Jackhammer Brian from Spin Calvin from Sidetrack Corey from DS Tequila Co. Douglas from North End Jay from Lucky Horseshoe Lounge Kami from F. O’Mahoney’s Keisha from Reply Keith from Big Chicks
Kyle from Club Krave Kyle from Progress Bar MarQuis from Steamworks Nick from Touché Rachel from Parlour on Clark Ricky from Charlie’s Chicago Zack from Minibar Shear Devotion from Bonsai Bar & Lounge
Courtesy of TPAN.com
Click Button Below to go to their Website To read about TPAN and/or make a donation
Barlesque offered 17 bars in the Chicagoland area an opportunity to nominate one contestant to represent it during the 22-day long competition. (For a complete list of participating bars, please see the end of the release.) During this time, each contestant promoted themselves and raised donations. When each contestant reached a higher dollar level of donations, a new, more revealing picture was posted on the event website (www.barlesque.org). The cycle continued through the different levels until the contestant lost all of his or her clothes. The contest winner was determined by which contestant and bar raised the most money during the contest run. Kyle and Progress Bar were this year’s winners, raising $10,826 for TPAN.
“Being named ‘Chicago’s Sexiest’ is an honor. I’m proud to represent Progress Bar, as well as to help raise funds for such an important cause” said Kyle. “We were really excited to have won, but most importantly, we were just excited to be part of this great event.” said Progress Bar manager, David Sikora. “As a new business, it was important for us to support a cause that affects so many people in our community.”
“What impressed me this year was the camaraderie among contestants. They were competitive with each other, but in a fun and supportive way. There was a palpable feeling that everyone was doing something special to support our community. It was about much more than an individual win. We all won this year.” said KJ Heath, photographer and founding Barlesque committee member.
“We’re excited about the momentum that Barlesque gains each year,” said Jeff Berry, TPAN’s interim CEO. “In a time when HIV is still a prevalent issue in our community, it’s inspiring to see local businesses and community members step up to the plate and not only help make this event successful, but also demonstrate their commitment to TPAN and our mission.”
Also, TPAN’s 11th annual Ride for AIDS Chicago registration is now open atwww.rideforaids.org. This year’s ride takes place July 12-13, 2014. Registration for new riders and crew members is $100 and helps offset the cost of producing the event.
Many thanks to the following bars and contestants for their participation in Barlesque 6: Pajama Party:
Arben from Jackhammer Brian from Spin Calvin from Sidetrack Corey from DS Tequila Co. Douglas from North End Jay from Lucky Horseshoe Lounge Kami from F. O’Mahoney’s Keisha from Reply Keith from Big Chicks
Kyle from Club Krave Kyle from Progress Bar MarQuis from Steamworks Nick from Touché Rachel from Parlour on Clark Ricky from Charlie’s Chicago Zack from Minibar Shear Devotion from Bonsai Bar & Lounge
Courtesy of TPAN.com
Click Button Below to go to their Website To read about TPAN and/or make a donation
