PRESS ROOM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Joni Bishop, Director of Development, BEBASHI, 215-769-3561

BEBASHI HOSTS 1st ANNUAL SPORTS RAFFLE

Philadelphia, PA (November 23, 2004) - BEBASHI announces its first annual PHILLY SPORTS RAFFLE to support families and children living with HIV/AIDS. Between November 23rd and January 14th, 2005, tickets will be available for a $5 donation. Prizes include:

• 1st Prize: Two tickets for a Philadelphia 76ers game in the Mayor’s Box at the Wachovia Center (Winner will get choice of games to chose from)
  
• 2nd Prize: Authentic autographed Donovan McNabb jersey (courtesy of Mitchell and Ness).
  
• 3rd Prize: Autographed Philadelphia Eagles Football
  

The drawing will take place on January 14th, 2005 and winners will be notified by 5pm that afternoon. Raffle tickets are available by calling BEBASHI at 215-769-3561 or logging onto www.bebashi.org. BEBASHI is located at 1217 Spring Garden Street, 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Tickets may be purchased between 9am-5pm, Monday – Friday, and Thursdays until 8pm.

It is estimated that in Philadelphia alone 17,000 individuals have AIDS. In fact, African Americans and women represent the fastest growing group of HIV infections, and it is reported that over one half of the new infections of HIV in the United States are in people under 25 years old.

BEBASHI was founded in 1985 in response to the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS in the African American community of Philadelphia. Today, our mission is to provide culturally sensitive health related information, direct service, research, and technical assistance to the urban community. BEBASHI provides a continuum of care ranging from HIV, STD, pregnancy counseling and testing, prevention education, case management for HIV+ individuals, housing counseling, support groups and a food cupboard. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of the underserved community and our educational efforts focus on street outreach to areas of the community most in need of prevention information and direct care services to those who are least likely to receive it. In 2003 we provided services to 15,000 Philadelphians and over 500,000 individuals since 1985! In 2005 BEBASHI will commemorate its 20th Anniversary as the first AIDS service organization to serve the urban community!

For more information, please contact: Joni Bishop, Director of Development, by calling 215-769-3561 x 140.