Strip entertainers go all out for fundraiser

Saturday, June 10, 2006 | 7:18 a.m.

What: Golden Rainbow's "Ribbon of Life" benefit for victims of HIV/AIDS

When: 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Bally's "Jubilee!" Theater

Tickets: $50 to $200

Special event: Silent auction

Information: 384-2899 or goldenrainbow.org

One of Las Vegas' most spectacular annual fundraising events - the "Ribbon of Life," which benefits local HIV/AIDS victims - will be this weekend.

The 20th annual "Ribbon of Life" promises to be one of the most dynamic ever, with more than 250 performers representing about 30 local productions in two shows - one Saturday and one Sunday.

Appearing in this year's 100-minute production are cast members from "American Superstars," Celine Dion's "A New Day ...," Breck Wall Productions, Cirque du Soleil, "Dragapella," "Fantasy" and "Fashionistas."

Also appearing, among others, will be performers from "Folies Bergere," "Hairspray," "Ka," "Splash" and "Jubilee!"

Clint Holmes will perform in Saturday's show, and Sunday's production will feature a tribute to Siegfried and Roy.

Producer Scott Lockwood, one of the more than 30 board members of Golden Rainbow, has been involved with the "Ribbon of Life" production for six years.

"This is one of the strongest shows we've had," Lockwood said. "It has the most variety, with everything from Broadway numbers to hip-hop.

"There is not only a lot of dancing, but there is quite a bit of live singing."

Lockwood said some pieces from past productions have been revived for this show.

All proceeds remain in Southern Nevada to provide permanent housing and financial assistance to residents living with HIV/AIDS. The organization also funds HIV/AIDS prevention education programs.

Eric Fleming, executive director of Golden Rainbow since 2001, says help for HIV/AIDS victims is needed now more than ever.

The organization owns nine apartments for qualified HIV/AIDS victims. In emergencies, it will pay rent for victims at other places.

"We are the safety net for the HIV/AIDS community," he said. "We step in and pay rent and utilities ."

But with rising property values, it's increasingly difficult to keep up with the rent.

The financial strains worsen the already considerable pressure on victims. "Those who work - wages are not rising with the cost of living," he said. "Plus they have the issues with medicine and the side effects - trying to go to work and keep a roof over their head."

Fleming said Golden Rainbow works with about 600 clients annually.

Half a million people have died in the United States from AIDS since it was first identified in 1981.

More than 2,000 of them were Nevadans, including a dancer on the Strip whose 1986 death was a catalyst for the "Ribbon of Life."

The performer, a dancer with "Jubilee!" died while living in his brother's garage, unable to afford housing because most of his money went toward medication.

"Jubilee!" cast members and performers in other shows decided to put on a fundraiser and out of that grew "The Ribbon of Life."