‘Night of a Thousand Stars’ set for Dec. 1

One of Omaha’s great holiday traditions — the “Night of a Thousand Stars” fund raiser for the Nebraska AIDS Project — will be held Saturday, Dec. 1.

The UNMC pre-party reception with hors d’oeuvres will take place at Pauli’s Blueroom, 4016 Leavenworth St., from 7 to 9 p.m. followed by the main citywide party from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Holiday Inn, 72nd and Grover streets.

This marks the 15th year for the event, which raised more than $175,000 for the Nebraska AIDS Project last year. This year’s theme is “One World Under the Stars.” The event coincides with World AIDS Day and will feature a global theme with a variety of hors d’oeuvres and desserts from around the world. One of Omaha’s hottest musical groups, Session 7, will provide musical entertainment at the Holiday Inn.

“We would love to get a huge turnout for our UNMC pre-party and really show our support for this great event. Our only requirement is that all attendees need to come prepared to have a really good time.” Keith Swarts, director of business services

The UNMC pre-party will be hosted by Dr. Susan Swindells, medical director of the UNMC HIV Clinic; Mike McGlade, senior associate dean for administration and director of finance, UNMC College of Medicine; Keith Swarts, director of business services at UNMC; and brothers Chris and Paul Griego and Paul’s wife, Karen, representing Pauli’s Blueroom.

“We would love to get a huge turnout for our UNMC pre-party and really show our support for this great event,” Swarts said. “Anyone can attend. Our only requirement is that all attendees need to come prepared to have a really good time.”

Dr. Swindells said proceeds from the event can truly make a difference for people with AIDS.

“A large proportion of our AIDS patients are poor,” she said. “The proceeds are used to provide the basic services that most of us take for granted — transportation to the doctor, a roof over their head, water, electricity, heat. Sometimes those services are just as important as a blood test in keeping them healthy.”

Tickets to the event cost $40 per person and include admittance to both the UNMC pre-party and the citywide party at the Holiday Inn. Tickets will be sold outside the University Tower cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 28, 29 and 30.

For more information on the event, contact Deanna Hansen, infectious diseases, at 559-5392.