The Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation plans to host its second annual Red Ribbon Ball in Corpus Christi, Texas, in October or November of 2005 at the American Bank Center. Board member and Events Chairperson for the CBAF, Dr. Nancy Drew, announced that the organization is actively seeking a top-name entertainment act to promote widespread interest in the foundation's fundraiser. The formal affair for 1000 will feature cocktail hour, drag show, live musical or comedy entertainment, dance, and silent auction. CBAF board member and events committee person Chuck Turner, formerly of Key West, Florida, envisions the event as one that, promoted properly, would draw gay and gay-friendly philanthropists from throughout the world to Corpus Christi for a “weekend of debauchery.”

Area businesses are being sought to help sponsor the event. Proceeds from the Red Ribbon Ball assist South Texans who have HIV/AIDS in receiving necessary services and education. The CBAF also provides free AIDS education to schools and community organizations. Laurie Lee, CBAF Board President, HIV/AIDS educator, and twenty-year AIDS survivor describes her primary goal, "I need to educate your heart and your head."

Drew sounds a call to involve the entire community in the effort: "You never know when the disease will affect you, a family member, or a close friend. Every month, 240,000 people die of complications of AIDS. We can bring an end to this insidious pandemic if we continue to work and pray to fight AIDS."