The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) will host re:FORM, an art auction and cocktail party benefit. re:FORM represents the second installment in a groundbreaking partnership between the art world and the drug policy reform movement, following the first successful event in 2005. DPA will honor three dear friends of the organization: Donald Baechler, Dr. Mathilde Krim, and Fred Tomaselli.

The event Co-Chairs are John Cheim, James Cohan, Jason Flom, Howard Read and George Soros. Honorary Co-Chairs are Darren Aronofsky, Alba Clemente, Walter Cronkite, Peter Lewis and Russell Simmons. Works donated by established and emerging artists, including Donald Baechler, Ross Bleckner, Louise Lawler, Fred Tomaselli, Lawrence Weiner, and many more.

Few public policies have undermined fundamental civil rights and liberties, social justice and public health for so long and to such an extent as the drug war. The U.S. now has the highest incarceration rate in the world—one American adult out of every 100 is currently behind bars. The United States makes up less than 5 percent of the world’s population but close to 25 percent of the world’s incarcerated population. More than half a million people are behind bars tonight for nothing more than a drug law violation. More than 700,000 Americans were arrested last year for simple marijuana possession. The drug war even targets sick and dying Americans, thousands of whom are regularly denied access to medical marijuana, a medication with proven medical benefits for the treatment of a wide range of serious illnesses.

For more information please contact Livet Reichard Company at 212.868.8450 x 211. Or visit: http://www.drugpolicyevent.com/