Knock...knock...

MADISON, Wis. -- A partnership between a liquor company called "Death's Door Spirits" and the Madison AIDS network will continue, although some people living with HIV/AIDS call it completely "outrageous" and "offensive."

The AIDS Network teamed up with a tiny Wisconsin company called Death's Door Spirits that makes gin and vodka out of Door County crops. Death's Door Spirits is the sponsor of an AIDS Network bartender contest to come up with a new cocktail, with the winner being chosen at the Food and Wine show on Oct. 20.
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"In hindsight, it may have been a poor choice for the agency," said Bob Power, director of the Madison AIDS Network, who noted that it has "apologized and is moving forward."

But some living with HIV/AIDS said they are outraged. They said they don't like the name or the promotion of alcohol. Mark Nowacki, a recovering addict living with AIDS, said he's survived four predictions of death since 1996.

"I've been at death's door. I've been told a number of times there's not much we can do about this," Nowacki said. "So having been there and understanding the fight that I have to go though to get to health and how hard it was, (it) seems to mock me."

Another client of the AIDS Network, who is living with HIV, said the linkage of the two entities is "outrageous."

"I guess my major objection is with the name of it: Death's Door. I mean there are literally people in this country at death's door because they can't get medications (for AIDS) because of funding not being available," said Steve Spera.

Power said that he is sorry if anyone feels offended by the sponsorship. "Our intent was to create interest in our fundraiser in November, and if in the process somebody was offended, we are sincerely sorry," Power said.

Power said the promotion is "all about helping people with HIV."

Brian Ellison with the liquor company agreed. He said Death's Door is a real, physical place -- a waterway between Washington Island and Door County -- and has nothing to do with death."

"This was, in all sincerity, moving into the holiday season and wanting to do something with a local group that would help raise awareness for both parties," Ellison said.

Ellison said his company of three employees agreed to "step back" if the Network saw problems, but after more talks, everyone said they were comfortable with it. In fact, he said, the winning cocktail at the Food and Wine show will be served at the annual AIDS Network Red Ribbon dinner, a large fundraiser.

That's disputed by Power who said the Death's Door cocktail wouldn't be attached directly to any other Network event.