Tag Archives: AIDS Interfaith Network

AIDS Walk South Dallas distributes funds

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AWSD checks

Walk director Auntjuan Wiley, left,  presents check to AIDS Interfaith Network Director Steven Pace.

AIDS Walk South Dallas distributed $4,000 to its beneficiaries last week.

Kidscapes Foundation and AIDS Interfaith Network each received a check for $2,000. In addition to distributing funds and paying all expenses, walk director Auntjuan Wiley said his organization raised enough to retain seed money for next year’s event.

More than 200 people registered for the walk that took place on March 16 and 512 people attended the event at St. Philip’s School on Pennsylvania Avenue.

HIV and syphilis testing was done before and after the event. Of the 27 people tested, one person tested positive for HIV and got into treatment and another person got back into treatment.

Wiley said plans are already underway for next year. St. Philip’s School will host the event again. The area is one of the hardest hit in Dallas for new HIV infections.

The 2014 walk will take place on March 22.

—  David Taffet

AIDS Interfaith, DFW Sisters to join Barack for National Day of Service

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DFW Sisters will participate in the National Day of Service.

We got a very formal email from our friend Travis Gasper at AIDS Interfaith Network inviting us to participate in President Barack Obama’s National Day or Service — and a very casual, friendly one from Obama, signed “Barack.”

“Dozens of Dallas residents are answering President Barack Obama’s call to action and participating in the National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19 as the kick-off to the 57th Presidential Inauguration,” Gasper wrote. “Volunteers will spend the day at AIDS Interfaith Network (AIN), serving meals to HIV-positive homeless and low-income people. They join hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country in volunteer service.”

Then we received this from “Barack”:

“This Saturday, Michelle and I are heading out to events as part of the National Day of Service — and I hope you’ll join us.”

Continue reading “AIDS Interfaith, DFW Sisters to join Barack for National Day of Service” »

—  David Taffet

AIN asks for assistance with budget shortfall with Close the Gap campaign

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AIDS Interfaith Network is asking the community for assistance in closing a budget shortfall. The demand for meals, bus passes and respite care is exceeding funding, the agency says.

AIN reports that in 2012 it’s on track to serve 26,000 meals to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. By the end of the year, AIN will provide 17,000 bus and rail passes for clients to get to medical appointments and access other life-saving services.

Executive Director Steven Pace is asking the community to make a donation and help close the gap:

Each year, about a quarter of our budget comes from unrestricted sources like foundations, community groups/events, and individuals. And year after year, you step up. You donate faithfully, entrusting AIN to use your generosity where it best fits the current need. Right now, the need is exceeding the funding, so we’re counting on you once more.

We know that many in our community are struggling to close the gap in their own households or businesses. We understand. But we also know that our supporters are dedicated and passionate about AIN’s clients. We can all do something — no matter how large or small — to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

I’ll report back later in the week with our progress. Thank you in advance for helping us close the gap.

With gratitude,
Steven Pace, MSSW
Executive Director

P.S. You can help close the gap the old-fashioned way, too. Please mail checks to:

AIN
501 N. Stemmons Fwy. #200
Dallas, TX 75207

—  David Taffet

LGBT running group suspects anti-gay bias after Pride Run sign goes missing

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A sign advertising LGBT running group DFW Front Runners’ first-ever Pride Run went missing over Labor Day weekend, and group’s president suspects anti-gay motives.

Front Runners President Lin Wang told Instant Tea that two 18-by-24-inch metal signs, which feature larger versions of the image at right, were placed along the Katy Trail on Saturday, one near the Katy Ice House and the other near the Hall Street entrance.

He said while he was running early Monday morning, he noticed the sign near Hall Street was missing. He said the other sign was probably still in place because of the number of people at the Katy Ice House.

Wang is also the race director for the Pride Run, which is on the morning of Dallas Pride, Sept. 16. He contacted the Katy Trail administrator and the trail manager, who told him the sign would only have been taken down if it was too early to advertise an event or if the run had already passed.

Wang said he thinks whoever took down the sign had anti-gay motives, due to the rainbow colors and the fact that the run benefits AIDS Interfaith Network.

“Either someone really liked the sign, which I doubt, or someone really hated the sign,” Wang said.

He said he replaced the $20 sign and had a large banner printed so he could tie it onto the fence.

More information on the event can be found here. The cost for registration is $25. The Front Runner Dallas walking and running group meets Saturdays at 8:30 at the statue of Robert E. Lee in Lee Park. Volunteers for the event can sign up on the website.

—  Anna Waugh

Razzle Dazzle Dallas distributes proceeds

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Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund board, from left, D’wayne Teague, Tony Rox, David Hearn, Greg Wallace and John Cooper Lara

John Cooper Lara, chair of the Razzle Dazzle Dallas board, presented checks to beneficiaries of the June events at Sue Ellen’s on Monday evening.

The Metro Ball, which took place at S4 on June 8 and featured Taylor Dayne, raised $31,500 for the Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund. GDMAF provides financial assistance for critical needs through local organizations when other sources are exhausted.

Funds from the Saturday night street party were split among nine beneficiaries. Those organizations were Resource Center Dallas, AIDS Arms, AIDS Interfaith Network, Turtle Creek Chorale, Cedar Springs Beautification Fund, Legacy Counseling Center and Founders Cottage, GLBT Leap, Uptown Players and Legal Hospice of Texas. That party raised $25,000.

Razzle Dazzle Dallas board, from left, Jimmy Bartlett, Johnny Humphrey, Chris Bengston, Thom Dance, John Cooper Lara, Kris Martin, Ron Adams and Howard Okon

—  David Taffet

Pekers donates 6,000 bottles of water to AIN

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Frank Holland

Frank Holland and Ron Nelson, owners of Pekers Bar in Oak Lawn, delivered 6,000 bottles of water to AIDS Interfaith Network to help homeless clients of the agency beat the heat, according to a release from AIN. The 200 cases of water will be distributed to AIN clients throughout the summer.

“Our clients don’t worry about electricity bills or air conditioning,” said Travis Gasper, AIN director of development. “They worry about having enough to eat and drink to survive. They will have one less thing to worry about this summer, thanks to the generous folks at Pekers.”

Each year AIN serves 2,000 individuals in North Texas battling HIV/AIDS. Half of them are without stable, permanent housing, leaving them in danger when the mercury rises. Proper hydration is essential to staying on HIV medications, which help prevent the further spread of the disease.

“We remain forever grateful to Pekers for their support,” said AIN Associate Director Edgar Carmona. “Their generosity means those most vulnerable to the heat will be able to stay hydrated and healthy this summer.”

Holland said the donation came from patrons and staff. And why did they help?

“Just because,” Holland said. “It was something that needed to be done.”

Pekers Bar just celebrated its fifth anniversary, and has supported HIV prevention efforts in the community since it opened. In addition to its water donations, Pekers has given more than $100,000 in cash to AIN.

—  David Taffet

BearDance made Dallas Bears president Wayne Davis tear up with their $30k donation on Sunday

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Photos via Facebook.

The guys of BearDance outdid themselves this year. Last year, the nonprofit organization, which hosts its Big D party during Texas Bear Round Up, raised more than $21,000 for Dallas Bears’ beneficiaries. Yesterday, they presented the community group a check for an astounding $30,000 from this year’s March event. The following was posted on the BD’s Facebook page.

Thanks to a great collaboration between the Dallas Bears who put on Texas Bear Round Up and BearDance and all of our volunteers, we were able to make a $30,000 donation to the Dallas Bears which will be passed through 100% to their designated beneficiaries this year including Youth First Texas, the Greg Dollgener Memorial Fund, and AIDS Interfaith Network. And thanks to all the amazing guys who came out to the biggest BearDance we’ve ever had this past March!

Mark Trimble, one of the BD founders (pictured above at far right), said the guys are thrilled at the these level of donations, but had no idea their bear party endeavor would grow to this.

Continue reading “BearDance made Dallas Bears president Wayne Davis tear up with their $30k donation on Sunday” »

—  Rich Lopez

WATCH: “AIN is …” from Saturday’s Bloomin’ Ball

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The below video featuring longtime clients of AIDS Interfaith Network talking about what the agency has meant to them — using words like “hope,” “freedom” and “life” — represented one of the more poignant moments during Saturday’s Bloomin’ Ball … Sowing Seeds of Hope at the Hilton Anatole. So we were glad to get a chance to watch the video again after AIN Development Director Travis Gasper sent it out earlier today. (If you haven’t already seen it, you may want to grab some Kleenex before clicking play.)

“After you watch the video, consider making a donation to support clients like LaShanda and Samuel,” Gasper writes. “Just $20 can provide breakfast and lunch for three clients battling HIV/AIDS. Or donate $50, and provide a one-month unlimited bus pass, so clients like Billy can access life-saving medical care. Or support Dorothy and clients like her with a month’s worth of meals, for $125.”

On a side note, happy birthday to AIN Executive Director Steven Pace, who turned 60 the other day. Watch “AIN is …” after the jump.

Continue reading “WATCH: “AIN is …” from Saturday’s Bloomin’ Ball” »

—  John Wright

Frontrunners announce first Dallas Pride Run

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Miami has one. New York has one. So do Chicago and San Francisco. Even St. Louis. But Dallas will get its first LGBT-centered run this year. Community group Dallas Frontrunners have announced their inaugural Dallas Pride Run set for Sept. 16 as part of the festivities for the Pride parade weekend.

“There’s never been a Pride run in Dallas’ history so I’m quite proud of it,” Lin Wang said.

The 5K race will be set early in the morn so as not to interfere with people’s parade plans for later that afternoon, but also to hopefully sidestep the summer heat a bit. While organization is still under way to finalize specifics, the race is set to begin at Reverchon Park and via the Katy Trail toward the the Blackburn bridge and back. Dog owners can get in on the action as well with the Paws Pride Parade 1k walk which will head opposite of the run. Frontrunners has also secured the parking garage across the street for registrants.

Wang feels the run will add a different element to Pride festivities and maybe even attract a broader crowd of athletes to the mix. He’s even sent invitations to Frontrunner groups in other cities to participate.

“We’re expecting 300 to 500 people. By comparison, Los Angeles has had more than 400 participants the last three years,” he added.

While Frontrunners still irons out all the details (such as registration fees, t-shirts and logos) and populates its new website, they are putting out the call for volunteers. Wang says he thinks right now, they could use up to 30 volunteers. They are needed to man water stations, man the food station and work the registration and package pickup stations. Those interested in helping can sign up on the site.

The group has been working closely with AIDS Interfaith Network’s Travis Gasper as the event is set to benefit the organization.

“When FrontRunners approached us earlier this year we were excited for this opportunity. Dallas has two walks and a great cycling event to raise awareness of and funds for AIDS. Other big cities have runs around their pride events, so we thought, why not Dallas? We have an active running community, and look forward to recruiting runners from Dallas and the region for our inaugural Dallas Pride Run,” Gasper said. “Earlier this month we found out HIV infection rates rose in Dallas County for the first time in five years. Funds raised from the Dallas Pride Run will help prevent the spread of HIV in our community. Now is the time to refocus our community on prevention, and get some exercise doing it, which is something we can all be proud of!”

—  Rich Lopez

South Dallas AIDS Walk steps off Saturday despite agency’s loss of nonprofit status

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Anthony Chisom AIDS Foundation blames accountant for failing to submit required forms

WALKING FOR AWARENESS | Black AIDS Institute founder Phill Wilson will return to Dallas to lead the second annual South Dallas AIDS Walk.

DAVID TAFFET | Staff Writer

The organizer of this week’s South Dallas AIDS Walk acknowledged this week that his group lost its nonprofit status last year. However, the walk was set to got forward on Saturday, and other participants are satisfied that proper steps have been taken to correct the situation.

The walk, organized by the Anthony Chisom AIDS Foundation, also benefits AIDS Interfaith Network, Abounding Prosperity and The Movement.

The Anthony Chisom AIDS Foundation lost its nonprofit status last year after failing to file IRS form 990 for three years in a row, records show.

“We’ve been working to get it reinstated,” Anthony Chisom said. “Our accountant simply did not submit the information.”

He said the accountant disappeared, and the agency is working with a new CPA to put all of the foundation’s financial information together to submit.

“I assumed he did it,” Chisom said. “We’re working to correct that.”

“We are confident that this will be resolved satisfactorily in a timely manner,” said AIDS Interfaith Network Development Director Travis Gasper.

Meanwhile, preparations for Saturday’s walk, which raises money for South Dallas AIDS agencies, are moving forward.

Walk director Auntjuan Wiley said the last detail he was working this week was securing a stage for the entertainment. After the walk, hip-hop, gospel and spoken-word artists will perform at the South Dallas Cultural Center.

New sponsors this year include Avita, which recently opened a pharmacy at AIDS Arms’ Trinity Clinic in Oak Cliff; and Ritecare, a pharmacy on MLK Jr. Boulevard in South Dallas near Peabody Clinic. Krispy Kreme is another new supporter of the event.

Phill Wilson, founder of the Black AIDS Institute, will attend a private reception on Friday evening and serve as an ambassador for the event. Last year, he led the walk. Also appearing will be Ashley Roberts, host of Channel 33’s DFW Close Up. District 7 Dallas City Councilwoman Carolyn Davis will greet attendees at the opening ceremony.

“This will be the second year AIN participates in the South Dallas AIDS Walk,” Gasper said. “It’s a community-led, community-focused event in a part of Dallas hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic. AIN has long been involved in this community, and we look forward to walking with them on Saturday.”

Kirk Myers, CEO of beneficiary Abounding Prosperity, said that his goal in participating is to raise HIV and AIDS awareness as well as get the word out about his agency.

Abounding Prosperity, currently next to Peabody Clinic, is moving to a new location on MLK Jr. Boulevard. After the move, Myers hopes to serve many more clients.

“Our new building is right on the walk route,” he said. “We’re in this for awareness.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 Fitzhugh Ave. The walk steps off at 10 a.m. Parking is available at Fair Park at Gate 8 off Fitzhugh Avenue. Registration is $25 per person, $30 with a pet, and free for anyone under 16.

—  David Taffet