What is Captain Fantastic’s Weird and Wonderful Carnivale: From the End of the World to Your Town?
Presented by Orlando Lunch Around the World, Captain Fantastic’s Weird and Wonderful Carnivale: From the End of the World to Your Town is a costumed Masquerade Ball and Carnivale held in the city of Orlando to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida. The event features a cocktail reception, live entertainment, contests and games and a silent auction.

What is Lunch Around the World?
Lunch Around the World (LATW) is the concept whereby Elton's fans all over the world raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).  LATW began in December 2001, after eltonjohn.com received an email suggesting an annual charity event to support EJAF.  The suggestion came from Nancy Case, an Elton fan in Florida.  Her concept was simple but splendid: get together with your friends around the time of Elton's birthday and raise money for EJAF.   LATW events are now held all across the United States.  For more information, visit http://www.ejaf.com/Supportus/LUNCHAROUNDTHEWORLD.

What is the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida?
Established in 1988, the mission of the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Inc. is simple: to save lives by eliminating the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to provide support, education and care for individuals living with the disease in the Central Florida community. A 501-c (3) non-profit organization, the Hope and Help Center offers services such as medical case management, testing and counseling, peer support, education and community outreach programs, including a food pantry. For more information, visit hopeandhelp.org.

Where will this event be held?
Captain Fantastic’s Weird and Wonderful Carnivale: From the End of the World to Your Town will be held on:
Friday. October 30, 2009
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton Street
Orlando, FL 32803

How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are $85.00 per person and may be purchased in advance at www.OrlandoLATW.org.

Should tickets be purchased in advance or will they be sold at the door?
Due to the popularity of this event, we anticipate a sold out crowd. We encourage Guests to visit www.OrlandoLATW.org to purchase tickets in advance.

How many Guests are anticipated to attend?
There is seating available for up to 200 Guests. However, due to the popularity of the event, we anticipate a sold out crowd and encourage Guests to purchase tickets in advance at www.OrlandoLATW.org.

Are costumes and masks required for the event?
While costumes and masks are highly encouraged for the Masquerade Ball and Carinvale, they are not required. Masquerade masks and face painting will be available at the event for an additional charge. All proceeds go to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida.

Is the Masquerade ball and Carnivale suitable for children?
Unfortunately, this event is NOT intended for children or minors. Guests must be 21 or over to attend.

Is Lunch Around the World currently accepting donations for the event?
Yes, Orlando Lunch Around the World is currently accepting both cash donations and items for our silent auction to be held at the event. To learn more about how to make a donation, please contact us through our web form.  The Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida are non-profit organizations and donations are tax deductible. All proceeds will be used to fund the missions of these organizations.

Can I or my company/organization be a sponsor for the event?
Yes, Orlando Lunch Around the World is currently accepting event sponsors.  To learn more about the levels of sponsorship and our sponsorship program, please contact us through our web form.  The Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida are non-profit organizations and donations are tax deductible. All proceeds will be used to fund the missions of these organizations.

How does the Elton John AIDS Foundation apply the charitable donations it receives?
The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) is a 501-c (3) non-profit organization.  EJAF was established in the United States in 1992 by Sir Elton John. EJAF's U.S. office is located in New York City.  In 1993, Sir Elton also established the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF-UK) in the United Kingdom, headquartered in London.  These two organizations both pursue similar missions - to support innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS.  Collectively, the two organizations have raised over $150 million since inception in support of projects in 55 countries around the world, including significant funding dedicated to programs in their respective home countries.

EJAF focuses on supporting community-based prevention programs, harm reduction programs, public education to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS, advocacy to improve AIDS-related public policy, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially populations with special needs.  Direct services include HIV/AIDS-related medical and mental health treatment, testing and counseling, food distribution, assisted living, social service coordination, and legal aid.

CNN recently interviewed Sir Elton John on May 19, 2009 regarding the EJAF organization and its mission.  To view this video or read the related article, click here: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/05/19/elton.john.aids/#cnnSTCVideo.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation is proud to have received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.  For more information about Lunch Around the World and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, visit http://www.eltonjohn.com/about/charities.jsp.

How can I get more involved?
There are many opportunities to get involved in Orlando Lunch Around the World and our fundraising events, such as offering services, joining our planning committee, hosting an event table or making a donation.  To volunteer time, services or to make a contribution, please contact us through our web form.  The Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida are non-profit organizations and donations are tax deductible. All proceeds will be used to fund the missions of these organizations.