TIAS ARMS 9th Annual Benefit for Children Affected by HIV/AIDS

Newport Beach, CA, April 02, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Nine years ago, Joanne Baker, an OR nurse at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, launched a dream. Inspired by the wish to give back to her home country of South Africa, Joanne South founded Tias Arms with the mission to provide a dignified, nurturing and compassionate environment for orphaned or abandoned children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

With one in four people being affected by HIV/AIDS, she chose to focus on the most innocent – the children. Her goal is simple – to provide a hospice environment to comfort these children in their final stages of life.

"I realized how much could be done with so little,” says Joanne, “with the current exchange rate from US dollars to the South African Rand at approximately 7:1, a little goes a long way. $.50 a day will feed a child a high caloric food parcel for a day; $45 will feed a child for 3 months and $180 will feed a child for a year.”

The highlight of the Silent and Live auction events will the auctioning of a “Dr. McDreamy” bachelor. Ladies, this is your chance to win a date with a handsome, eligible Newport Beach Doctor.

Also included on that day will be entertainment performed by steel drummer, Russ Henry, and a Henna artist, card reader and African head wrap demonstration. For children who attend, there will be a face painter. Colorful or global attired encouraged. Bring a friend or two.

Admission and the luncheon are priced at $45, and general admission without a meal is only $15. There is a vegetarian meal option and a no host bar of wine and beer. To purchase tickets, visit our web site at www.tiasarms.org or call Joanne Baker at 949-650-6254.

“I feel like one of the luckiest people in the world because I have found a passion that will last me a lifetime and a group of friends who support this dream. My inspiration is found in the faces of these little children, their acceptance of their state, their loving response with hugs and smiles.”

TIAS ARMS is a non-profit, non-denominational organization that believes in providing a dignified organization that believes in providing a dignified, nurturing and compassionate environment for orphaned or abandoned children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. This past year, Tias Arms was recognized by Chapman University with the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Institute Award of Excellence.

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