Annual fundraiser works to battle HIV/AIDS

Life is a Cabaret for Atlanta Cotillion

The annual Atlanta Cotillion Cabaret & Auction kicks off today at Opera at 5 p.m. featuring performances by this year’s debutantes as well as chances to bid on art, vacations and other prize packages  — and all it is for a good cause, raising money for AID Atlanta. DJ Mike Pope will be manning the tables.

For months now, this year’s debs (as in men dressed as women) have been holding individual fundraisers from selling jello-shots to holding car washes as they head to finish line to see who races the most money and is crowned this year’s Queen.

Founded in 1997, Atlanta Cotillion has raised more than $650,000 for AID Atlanta, says Bryon Brown, Cotillion co-chair, known at the event as debutante Lauren Elizabeth “Bess” Eatenton. Last year’s event raised $115,000, with only $36,000 in expenses. The actual Cotillion is Sept. 18 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill.

Today’s Cabaret is one of the final acts as the men, er, women, work to raise funds to help AID Atlanta fight against HIV/AIDS in Atlanta and the Southeast.

And before heading to the Cotillion Cabaret, enjoy cocktails at Einstein with DJay McCracken spinning the beats from 2-6 p.m.

Atlanta Cotillion Cabaret
5-10 p.m.
Opera
1150 B-Peachtree St.
Atlanta, GA 30309
$10
www.aidatlanta.org

Cotillion Cabaret pre-party
2-6 p.m.
Einstein’s
1077 Juniper St.
Atlanta, GA 30309
www.atlantacotillion.com