by Jessica Carreras
A box designed by a local artist.
ROYAL OAK – Like a scene out of Andy Warhol's factory parties, Step Inside The Box, held Sept. 12 at ZMC Pharmacy in Royal Oak, was the place to be last Saturday. Minus Warhol's sex and drugs.
The event was hosted by HIV/AIDS non-profit Steppin' Out, who will be holding their annual AIDS Walk Detroit in Royal Oak this Sunday, Sept. 20.
But last weekend, AIDS research and care supporters traded in their walking shoes for dress shoes at the all-class event, which featured an array of drinks and food from local caterers and restaurants, as well as dance club music from a live DJ and a spectacular sunset view of Royal Oak and Detroit.
Held on the third floor of the pharmacy, Steppin' Out Board President Bill Thomas explained that the building used to serve as a car dealership in the early 1900s.
The space featured almost wall-to-wall windows, with chic displays of food and – the reason for the event – shoeboxes.
Step Inside The Box featured black shoeboxes decorated and filled with goodies by local and national businesses and notables, all up for auction. See Eyewear offered sunglasses. Denise Ilitch Design decked hers out with candles from her collection. Thomas's Royal Oak restaurant Pronto! covered their box and filled with penny candy. A particularly popular item featured a Red Wings jersey autographed by Steve Yzerman. Dior's box featured the promise of an entire spa day and make-up consultation for ten friends.
Some boxes even featured original artwork by such artists as Charles Alexander, Kris Lujan and Johnny Bee Badanjek. And still others fit the theme of HIV/AIDS, such as the Michigan AIDS Coalition's box, filled with condoms, lubricants and other sexy goodies.
One box even had a dominatrix Cher doll and played music through an iPod.
The event drew in an estimated 200 people and raised over $10,000 for the Steppin' Out, which provides financial support to direct care HIV/AIDS services and education in the metro Detroit area.
"Creativity from the community and the support for Steppin' Out exceeded our expectations," said Thomas after the event. "Step Inside the Box will now become a signature event for our organization, and we look forward to an even greater participation next year."
