GRAND JUNCTION — The Cabaret Theatre is performing “Wizard of Oz” Saturday as a fundraiser for Western Colorado AIDS Project.

The $60 tickets include dinner, an after-hours show with Pineapple Crackers next door at the Spotlight Lounge, and a silent auction to take place prior to the show.

Eight years ago people living with HIV/AIDs on the Western Slope had to travel to Denver for specialty care. Today there are specialty care clinics in Grand Junction, Durango and Summit County.

WestCAP provides services in 22 western Colorado counties to men, women and children who are affected with HIV/AIDS.

“This fundraiser helps us help people stay in their home communities and get the care they need,” said WestCAP Executive Director Mary Beth Luedtke.

“There’s no place like home,” Luedtke said.

WestCAP provides education about sexually transmitted diseases and case management services for people with HIV/AIDS including “wrap-around support” such as housing, nutrition, dental and other medicines, Luedtke said.

“WestCAP’s mission is to help people make better and healthier lifestyle decisions,” Luedtke said. “We look at educating, encouraging and empowering.”

WestCAP serves about 40 clients in Mesa County, and 165 throughout all the 22 western Colorado counties.

“Preventative education reaches out to 100 more,” Luedtke said.

WestCAP board member Paul Jones said he is grateful for the silent auction donations from local business owners.

“The money we raise gets put to good use through advocacy, education and prevention,” Jones said.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Luedtke at 243-2437 or visit www.westcap.info.

Reach Sharon Sullivan at ssullivan@gjfreepress.com.