Sheryl Lee Ralph: Original 'Dreamgirls' Star Continues Fighting AIDS With Annual 'Divas' Benefit Concert

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Sheryl Lee Ralph continues fighting the good fight.

The star of the legendary Broadway musical, 'Dreamgirls,' is gearing up for the 20th anniversary of her 'Divas Simply Singing!' AIDS benefit and concert, set to take place Oct. 9 at the Saban Theatre (formerly Wilshire Theatre), in Los Angeles.

This year's line-up includes appearances by Teena Marie, Jody Watley, Ledisi, Kelly Price, Jennifer Lewis, Naturi Naughton, Patti Austin, Rahsaan Patterson, Gloria Loring, Victoria Rowell, Pauletta Washington, Desiree Coleman-Jackson, Shanice, LisaRaye, Deborah Cox and Loretta Devine, among others.

Created and produced by Ralph, the event is an annual benefit concert, produced in conjunction with The DIVA Foundation to help raise money and awareness about HIV/AIDS. According to the former 'Moesha' and 'It's A Living' star, DIVA in the DIVA Foundation stands for Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed.

"It is a thrill and a blessing to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Divas Simply Singing! I just wish we didn't have to do it," Ralph stated. "HIV/AIDS awareness and the need to break the silence and stigma still connected to this disease is nearest and dearest to my heart. It has been 20 years of blood, sweat, tears of joy, and true triumphs."




'Divas' is the longest consecutive running AIDS benefit concert in the United States and has raised more than $5 million dollars to help AIDS organizations in Los Angeles and around the world.

"[This event] remains a beacon of hope for those who are impacted by the disease," Ralph added. "The Divas and I continue to spread awareness, raise funds, and empower others in order to combat HIV/AIDS. I am proud that so many wonderfully talented people have come together over the years to support the cause."

This year, Divas Simply Singing! is proud to benefit the DIVA Foundation and Women Alive Coalition. In the past, proceeds from the concert have benefited organizations such as AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Project Angel Food, Caring for Babies With AIDS, Minority AIDS Project, the Safe Place for Pediatric AIDS, the National Minority AIDS Council and the Black AIDS Institute.

Sponsors include Bristol Myers Squibb, American Airlines, Tibotec, Soft Sheen Carson and Gilead Sciences.

Tickets prices for 'Divas Simply Singing!' range from $35 to $250. For ticket information, contact the box office of the Saban Theatre Beverly Hills at 323.655.0111.

 

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