A Starry Sweet A'Fair

Sweet A’Fair returns for 32nd year to support HIV care and services in Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. — The Sweet Emergency Fund will host its 32nd annual Sweet A’fair from

5:30 p.m. until dusk Thursday, Sept. 24, at the home of Dr. Donna Sweet. This year’s “A

Starry Sweet A’fair” will bring the community together for an evening of food, music, art and

fellowship while raising funds for a critical safety net for Kansans living with HIV.

Every year since 1994, Dr. Sweet opens her backyard to the community for the Sweet A’fair,

the Sweet Emergency Fund’s signature fundraising event. Proceeds allow the fund to assist

when Kansans with HIV face urgent financial needs that could otherwise create barriers to

healthcare and essential services.

Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, this year’s event will feature food and

beverages, entertainment by Hand Pan Dan, an interactive art display, and the event’s

popular silent auction, where guests can browse a wide variety of items and find something

unexpected. Wichita mixed-media artist, painter and graphic designer Michael Davenport

will serve as master of ceremonies.

A $20 recommended donation will be collected at the gate.

Guests should park at Wichita State University near the corner of 21st Street and Oliver

Street. Shuttle transportation will be provided to and from the event.

“The importance of the event is not only the funds raised, but awareness for HIV,” Dr. Sweet

said. “HIV has not gone away – we see new patients every week. Federal budget cuts are

likely to continue, and there is a drastic need for prevention efforts.”

After more than three decades, the Sweet A’fair remains an opportunity for the community

to come together, enjoy an evening at Dr. Sweet’s home and help ensure the Sweet

Emergency Fund can continue providing assistance when it is needed most.