Radio personality Big Tigger has announced June 5-6 as the dates for his 8th Annual Celebrity Classic, which will raise funds for the nation’s current HIV/AIDS crisis.
The weekend will feature a vast array of professionals from the fields of sports, entertainment, politics, and health.
Confirmed activities include a youth sports clinic, silent auction, VIP luncheon, all-star basketball game, an all-white ball, and HIV testing.
The event will be held in Washington, D.C., where statistics show an alarming rise of HIV infections in African-Americans.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 75% of the new HIV cases are the result of individuals who were unaware they were infected.
Because of this, Tigger has made a concerted effort to offer free testing to all event attendees.
At the 2004 Classic, over 300 youths and adults were tested, marking a 57% increase over the D.C. Department of Health’s 2000 record of 170.
“More people are living with HIV and AIDS today than ever before,” Big Tigger explained to AllHipHop.com. “It saddens me to know that in, United States, the most powerful country in the world, the HIV infection rates are as bad if not worse than in third world countries. We need to educate everyone about the HIV virus and get as many people tested as we can because most HIV infections are transmitted by people who don’t know their status.”
Celebrities for this year’s event include Nelly, Trey Songz, Clinton Portis, Twista, Vince Carter, Caron Butler, Terrell Owens, Mims, J. Holiday, and Jackie Long.
While assuring attendees will be treated to a festive atmosphere, Tigger emphasized the importance of everyone knowing their medical status when it comes to HIV and AIDS.
“Do yourself a favor, come out and have a good time,” Tigger told AllHipHop.com. “Learn some stuff, get tested, know your status, and it’s going down [at] Big Tigger’s 8th Annual Celebrity Classic!”
For a full listing of events and locations, visit www.bigtigweekend.net. video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player
