For Immediate Release
March 1, 2010                                                              

JACK MACKENROTH OF “PROJECT RUNWAY” TO EMCEE WHITMAN-WALKER SPRING GALA

HIV Advocate to Headline “Masquerade on the Mall”

WASHINGTON - HIV advocate and “Project Runway” alumnus Jack Mackenroth will emcee “Masquerade on the Mall,” Whitman-Walker Clinic’s 17th annual spring gala. The black tie event will be held on Friday, April 23, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW. All proceeds will benefit HIV/AIDS services at Whitman-Walker Clinic.

Jack Mackenroth is a fashion designer, model, actor and swimmer. Passionate about helping people living with HIV stay positive about their lives, Jack has partnered with Merck & Co. on an educational HIV campaign called Living Positive By Design. Through this campaign, Jack is sharing his perspective as someone who has lived with HIV for over 20 years. More information on Living Positive By Design is available at www.LivingPositiveByDesign.com.

“Jack Mackenroth is a great example of someone who is living a full and healthy life with HIV,” said Don Blanchon, executive director of Whitman-Walker Clinic. “His time on ‘Project Runway’ gave America a glimpse into the reality of today’s HIV epidemic: a healthy, vibrant person who must monitor their health carefully and who still faces tremendous challenges. He also became a great role model and advocate for people living with HIV. It’s an honor to have him join us for this event.”

Tickets are available at $1,000, $500 and $350 levels and may be purchased by calling (202) 797-3543 or online at www.wwc.org/gala2010. Donations to HIV/AIDS services at Whitman-Walker Clinic can be made by calling 202-797-3520 or online at www.wwc.org/donate.

Established in 1978, Whitman-Walker Clinic is a non-profit, community-based provider of health care in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Through two sites in the District of Columbia, the Clinic offers primary medical and dental care; mental health and addictions counseling and treatment; HIV education, prevention, and testing; legal services; and medical adherence case management. Whitman-Walker Clinic is committed to meeting the health needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

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