3rd Annual Raq'n Around the Christmas Tree is Thursday, December 1 at The Grand.

(submitted)

Raqia Belly Dance/The Studio will be hosting their 3rd Annual Raq'n Around the Christmas Tree/ Children's Holiday Toy Drive/Taste of New Albany and Belly Dance Show Thursday, Dec 1, 2011, from 6:30-9:00pm @ The Grand Theater, located on 138 E. Market Street, New Albany, IN 47150.

Entrance Cost: 1 New Toy or a $10 donation. This year the toy drive will benefit the boys and girls of (AIM) AIDS Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana, Holiday Program.

AIM of Kentuckiana provides services to the HIV/AIDS population in the greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana region. AIM is committed to helping people living with HIV/AIDS by providing nutritional, emotional and spiritual support, their Holiday Assistance Program assists aproxamimately 300 children and familes infected and affected by this disease during the holidays.

6:30-8:00pm
The evening will start with a Taste of New Albany/ local Southern Indiana food & spirits. In attendance; La Bocca, Habana Blues, New Albanian Brewing Co. to name a few.

8:00-9:00pm
Followed by fabulous local entertainment/ belly dancing show by Al Hamsa, Gypsies of the Nile, Raqia's Stars. Recent performances by Al Hamsa, Gypsies of the Nile & Raqia's Stars include Harvest Homecoming, New Albany, IN, Worldfest, Louisville, KY and Louisville Music News Terrabeat Cultural Showcase, Louisville, KY

A guaranteed unique evening of giving and celebration!

Last year's event was held at the Holiday Inn Express in downtown New Albany, a fabulous turn out with 78 guests in attendance and 220 toys collected, all to benefit AIDS/HIV infected and affected children in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Raqia Belly Dance/The Studio; dancing for a great cause/toys for children in need, is led by Rachel Reich, "Raqia" winner of Louisville Magazine's "Best Belly Dance Instructor" Award. She is extrememely humbled and proud to have the opportunity to assist in bringing a sense of joy and normalcy to HIV/AIDS infected and affected children and families during the holidays and looks forward to the generosity and support of all involved in this great cause.

HIV/AIDS affects an estimate of 33.3 million people, including 2.5 milliion being children and new infections continue every year.

Dec 1, World Aids Day, marks a day of hope and increasing awareness, the perfect backdrop and opportunity to support, share and make this year magical for the children.

Happy Holidays!

For more information you may contact The Studio/Belly Dance & More at 812-989-0821.