Celebrate, Reflect, Conversate with Jack Mackenroth, Others
story by Selena Haynes | photo by Focus Middle Tennessee
Jack Mackenroth, most widely known for his participation as a fashion designer on Season 4 of Project Runway where he disclosed his positive HIV status, was among the guest speakers for Nashville Cares’ annual Gala held on Saturday, June 17 at Track One in Nashville. This years event, A Modern Social, was a celebration and reflection on the 30 plus years of Nashville Cares’ work and starting new conversations on ending HIV.
The evening’s main program began with a video message from Andy Cohen congratulating the organization on their successes and efforts to end HIV.
The message of ending HIV continued with the honorable Mayor Megan Barry on hand delivering a message to the audience reflecting the importance of Nashville Cares as the government can’t do it alone. She also said, “Now is the time to double down.” It is her hope that Nashville Cares “puts themselves out of business,” referencing ending HIV.
Further support of this message came from Joseph Interrante, Chief Executive Officer of Nashville Cares. He spoke of his professional work with Nashville Cares and personal connections with HIV/AIDS.
Guest celebrity, Jack Mackenroth, said, “We have the tools to do it right now,” speaking on wiping out HIV completely. The tools Mackenroth mentioned were access, medication, education, knowledge and equality.
Comedienne Leanne Morgan concluded the main program with her southern charm and witty story telling. Music and dance followed as the celebration of past, present, and future successes continued.
Other activities throughout the evening included a conversation station where employees of Nashville Cares answered guests’ questions about HIV/AIDS and Nashville Cares. Guests also enjoyed a photo booth by Nashville Smile Bar, where they could hashtag their photos and receive a free print of the evening.
For more information on how to help end HIV/AIDS, visit nashvillecares.org.
For more on Jack Mackenroth visit, http://jackmackenroth.com/.
