‘Mooning’ at the Laird shines for Midsumma 2011

The boys at the Laird Hotel held their annual ‘Mooning’ event on 29 January, as part of the 2011 Midsumma Festival celebrations.

The event, which featured a ‘cheeky’ display of male bums and an auction hosted by performer Mzzz Erin Tasmania, raised $5900 or the David Williams Fund, a program of the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre (VAC/GMHC).

Hundreds of patrons paid an entry fee to attend the shenanigans, and many bid on auction lots which included a collection of Blue magazines, vouchers for accommodation at the Cullen Hotel and the Prahran Manor, and a selection of DVDs and videos.

Sian Syddall, Fundraising & Communications Coordinator for VAC/GMHC said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Laird Hotel and their patrons for their continued generous and tireless support of our work. Mooning has been running for many years now, has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the David Williams Fund, and is a legendary event in the Midsumma timetable.

A big thank you to everyone who helped to make the night such a shining success, particularly Mark and Brett at the Laird, Mzzz Erin Tasmania, the brave contestants who gave up their time, the volunteers who assisted on the night, and the numerous individuals and companies who donated auction lots including Mannhaus, Skinny Dips Resort & Spa, and TitanMen. The money raised will make a significant difference to Victorians facing the many challenges of living with HIV.”

The David Williams Fund provides support to improve the well-­‐being of the Victorian HIV positive community. The program assists with financial advice and referral; study assistance; financial skills workshops; and emergency funding for items such as outstanding bills, motor vehicle repairs, food vouchers and white goods. Many of the individuals the Fund assists are living below the poverty line and experiencing a complex range of emotional, health and social issues.

For more information about HIV and the work of VAC/GMHC visit www.vicaids.asn.au or call (03) 9865 6700.