Washington, DC— Oasis Dance Company holds its fourth annual gala on Sunday, September 21, with
proceeds going to support homeless suffering with terminal diseases in the District.
The event, “El Passaporte” will feature a cocktail hour, dancers from all over the east coast, a runway
fashion event and an award show, with a portion of the proceeds going to Joseph’s House, a welcoming
community providing comprehensive nursing and support services to homeless men and women dying
of cancer or AIDS.
Opened in 1990 in response to the AIDS crisis in Washington, DC, Joseph’s House is home to clinical staff
and trained caregivers who work to create a place where the values of unreserved love and friendship
are practiced. With tenderness and exquisite care, the staff accompanies men and women who, without
Joseph’s House, would die a lonely, isolated death.
According to Oasis Executive Director and Founder Steven Wilson, few people stop to consider the plight
of cancer and AIDS patients who have access to neither medicine nor a bed. “It’s impossible to ignore
that in DC there are homeless people suffering tremendously with painful and devastating conditions
and diseases,” Wilson said. “We want to nurture far more than the dance talents of youth. We want to
instill in them the knowledge that they can use dance to improve the world around them.”
In addition, the OASIS Dance Company will recognize community leaders for their distinguished service
to LGBTQIA youth in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. This year OASIS will acknowledge the
contributions of the following honorees:
Bishop Rainier Cheeks – Clergy Earl Fowlkes, Jr. – Lifetime Achievement
Whitney Garcon – Ballroom AJ King – Outreach
Dr. Ron Simmons – Activist McGregory Williams – Entertainment
Earline Budd – Running Water Service Award
In 2012, Oasis worked with DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray on an official proclamation to bring awareness to
the many issues facing the LGBT community in the District. Past Gala fundraising efforts have benefitted
the Trevor Project, the Wanda Alston House, and the It Gets Better Project.
In addition to raising thousands of dollars for charitable organizations, the dance company fosters a
sense of community and supports aspiring dancers through invaluable scholarships. This year’s gala will
support Joseph’s House as well as the young performer scholarship fund.101 16th St NW Washington DC, 20009
Oasis Dance Company’s “El Passaporte” is Sunday, September 21, starting at 6:00 p.m. at The Lang
Theater; 1333 H Street NE. Tickets are $25 or $50 for VIP. Visit the Atlas Theater website for tickets.
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