Media Advisory: Grammy Nominated Hip Hop Artist Wale Headlines Friday's Hip Hop for Philly Concert

MEDIA ALERT

THIS FRIDAY: GRAMMY NOMINATED HIP HOP ARTIST WALE HEADLINES FREE CONCERT ON NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY - OVER 1,000 YOUTH HAVE BEEN TESTED TO DATE!

Note: Free tickets are STILL available for youth 13-24 when they get an HIV test at an approved testing site in advance of the show. Media credential info is listed below.

** WHAT **
Hip Hop for Philly Concert Featuring Wale
With Special Guests: Chill Moody, ARSIN, and DJNiiLO

** WHEN **
Friday, June 27, 2014
Doors open - 7:00pm, Wale start - approximately 9:45pm, updates available on Friday

** WHERE **
Trocadero Theater, 1003 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA

** WHY **
Philadelphia FIGHT and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia seek to motivate hundreds of young people to get tested for HIV by offering a free Hip Hop Concert on National HIV Testing Day. Teenagers and young adults aged 13-24 will receive a free ticket to see Grammy nominated Hip Hop recording artist Wale if they get a free HIV test at a variety of participating locations throughout the city on or before June 27, 2014. To date, 1,000+ youth have been tested. Limited tickets remain. The list of testing sites is found: bit.ly/hiphop4philly

** MEDIA CREDENTIALS **
Approved print and television outlets will have access to shoot Wale's first three songs from a roped area in front of the stage. Before/after the performance, approved outlets are free to shoot from other spots on the first floor or from a special area on the second level. All media must respond to kory@aversapr.com or 215-840-9216 so we can arrange access. NO flash photography will be allowed.  All media must sign a waiver before entering the front of stage area.

Message from CEO: Philadelphia FIGHT Celebrates 20+ Years of Saving Lives

Dear Friends and Colleagues, 

This year, I'm proud to serve for the first time on the host committee for the Philadelphia FIGHT's 2013 FIGHT for Life Gala. On Wednesday, December 4, 2013 we celebrate over 20 years of the FIGHT to save lives and to honor Governor Ed Rendell. I invite you to join me at the Union League and help support FIGHT's important work. 

• Why is this important? 
• Not familiar with FIGHT? 
• Why should you give with all the great causes out there? 
• Why give NOW?

Good questions! While there are many life-saving and important causes in the city (including many I support), why I signed on is because FIGHT is quietly working behind the scenes, but is in fact the most comprehensive LARGEST HIV/AIDS service organization in our city. It serves ALL Philadelphians, gay, straight, questioning, black, white, latino, homeless, etc. While this is what first got me interested, what sealed the deal my visit to one of their very unique pilot programs, the Youth Health Empowerment Project "Empowerment Center." Homeless youth and young adults can access prevention services and support, take workshops, take showers, have a safe space during the day (and even some night/weekend hours), participate in activities, enjoy two stable and solid meals a day, get tokens, clothes - or simply relax in a safe space away from the rest of the world. I hope to host a free "friend" tour of this amazing space next year! 

The other development that shows how FIGHT serves our community is the announcement of a Spanish-speaking HIV clinic to open on Dec. 11 at the North Philadelphia Prevention Point space. FIGHT is proud to open this new facility that is a first of its kind in the city. This hit the news on Thursday and is a top reason to support and give NOW!  (For more about this, visit G Philly, WHYY Newsworks and Al Dia.) 

2013 Honoree Governor Ed Rendell 

FIGHT's other services include the AIDS Library, Project TEACH, Critical Path Project, HIV counseling and testing, computer labs and the Jonathan Lax Center. In the spring, I hope to host some friends on a tour of their facilities, including a stop in the Y-HEP Empowerment Center and the AIDS Library. 

While I host many (MANY!) events during the year nearly all of them are free or very inexpensive. FIGHT is one of our hand-picked charities (besides City of Hope) - and this is one of the few times a year we ask you to give and donate out of your own pocket.

Please consider joining us at the event or consider a donation of any size. Auction items are also welcome! 

For tickets, click here, call 215.525.0372 or email mmarsico@fight.org. If you want to hear more about FIGHT or take a sooner vs. later tour of FIGHT please let me know! 

Thank you for considering, and we hope to eat, drink and BID on great auction items with you on December 4th. Happy Thanksgiving if I don't see you beforehand! 

Best, Kory Aversa
CEO/ Aversa PR & Events