NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – It was 31 years ago this summer that the first cases of AIDS were reported to the Centers for Disease Control.  Eleven years later, a handful of committed activists opened the doors of AIDS CARE/Hampshire County (ACHC) to all those impacted by the virus. Today, the agency continues to play a vital role in the fight against AIDS.

As ACHC celebrates its 21st anniversary of providing services to people living with HIV/AIDS, community members are invited to attend the 19th Annual Chocolate Dessert Buffet & Silent Auction on Sunday, Nov. 4 from 2 to 5 pm at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, Atwood Drive, Northampton.

Event planners expect over 200 donated auction items ranging from fabulous weekend getaways and luxurious sailing trips to locally crafted jewels and fine arts, tickets to favorite shows, treats for kids, and something special for the kid in each of us.   As in year’s past, the room will be filled with premium chocolate desserts, cookies and cakes, donated by local bakeries and restaurants, and everyone’s favorite chocolate fountain will have center stage.  

Tickets are a requested $15 donation per person and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (413) 586-8288, or emailing aidscarehamp@cooley-dickinson.org.

Start your holiday shopping while indulging in chocolate and benefitting AIDS CARE/Hampshire County, a Northampton-based agency that provides comprehensive support for people living with HIV/AIDS in Hampshire County and the surrounding area.

AIDS CARE/Hampshire County is a program of Cooley Dickinson Hospital.