AIDS coalition benefit is Oct. 16

COEUR d'ALENE - The age of chivalry, courts and kings is the theme of the North Idaho AIDS Coalition's upcoming wine tasting benefit.

"A Knight in the Garden of Good & Medieval" takes place Oct. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the student union building on the North Idaho College campus.

Tickets are $45 per person and include wine, hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, and the chance to participate in a live and silent auction.

Costumes are optional.

Proceeds will benefit NIAC, a community-based nonprofit that provides care and advocacy on behalf of those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in Idaho's five northern counties.

According to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare statistics, at the end of June there were 146 people with HIV or AIDS living in North Idaho. That's up from 139 at the end of 2009.

"Those are just the ones we know of," said NIAC director, Dani Clarkson.

Clarkson said NIAC provides education, testing and prevention efforts to the entire community.

"These fundraising dollars help us provide a lot of those services that aren't provided elsewhere in the community," Clarkson said.

Tickets for the wine tasting benefit can be purchased at the NIAC office, 2201 Government Way, Suite L; or at The Long Ear, 2405 N. Fourth St.

Information: 665-1448