Prevent HIV and have fun for a cause

FERNDALE – Now through St. Patrick's Day, Carnival Condom Beads is donating 15 percent of the proceeds for orders of their Mardi Gras condom necklaces to Ferndale's Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center.
Brian Kalakie, founder of the company, says that his beads are "an effective marketing tool to promote awareness, to get across a serious message in a lighthearted manner."
The Mardi Gras beads come in five colors and include a condom and STD awareness booklet.
Kalakie says that his beads are currently being used by major universities throughout the country, including Michigan State, and have been featured at the Steppin' Out AIDS Walk in Royal Oak for the past two years.
"We're a more effective marketing tool because we're actually providing a condom to an individual and opening up a conversation in a relaxed atmosphere among peers," Kalakie said.
Leslie Thompson, Affirmations' executive director, is grateful for the extra funds and excited about the beads' potential to encourage safe sex among young people.
"We're really excited that Brian once again has thought about Affirmations in his efforts to promote safe sex," she said. "We hope everybody visits the web site. They're very cool – our young people really enjoy them, and they're very well received."
To order, visit http://carnivalcondombeads.com and pay for your order via a PayPal account or call 248-219-4289.