For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Justin Burke - 213.201.1525EMAIL:jburke@apla.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2001

Los Angeles -- AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) is joining the City of West Hollywood as a major sponsor of "Club Freedom," a clean, sober and drug-free New Year's Eve event. APLA is supporting "Club Freedom" through a monetary donation of $20,000 and presented a check to The City of West Hollywood at the monthly City Council Meeting on Monday, November 19, 2001. APLA will also participate in the actual event providing information and prevention education.

The 4th annual Club Freedom dance party will be held on Monday, December 31, 2001, 9 PM to 1 AM at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Admission is free and open to anyone 18 years or older.

"Club Freedom is an essential prevention strategy and a healthy alternative to welcoming in the New Year," noted Executive Director of APLA, Craig E. Thompson.

Since 1997, the City of West Hollywood has ushered in the New Year clean, sober and drug-free way through the Club Freedom dance party. This year, more than 1,500 revelers are expected to dance to great music provided by two DJs. There will also be free food and non-alcoholic beverages.

"Club Freedom provides a positive New Year's Eve celebration, a vital service to many in our community that comes at an often a difficult time of the year," added City of West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman.

Club Freedom is sponsored by APLA and the City of West Hollywood with cooperation from the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, LA Shanti Foundation, the Community Prevention Council - LGBT Tobacco Control Coalition, Children Hospital's CITY Project, Alternatives, Van Ness Recovery House and Being Alive LA.

AIDS Project Los Angeles provides direct services to more than 10,000 men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles County. Services include prevention education, a food bank, professional dental care, housing assistance, mental health counseling, women's services and case management. APLA is a leader in the provision of bilingual HIV treatment information, in print and on the Internet, and advocates for effective AIDS-related policies and legislation on the local, state and federal level.

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