Category Archives: HIV
World of Chocolate 2015
SAVE THE DATE!!!
The BIGGEST and MOST DECADENT party of the holiday season returns, December 3rd to Chicago’s gorgeous Union Station! Sip cocktails, sample outrageous chocolate concoctions and socialize to benefit Aids Foundation of Chicago. Tickets on sale Oct. 21st!
RENT to Benefit AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Local startup nonprofit Artists Giving Back announced today that tickets for its World AIDS Day production of the musical RENT are officially on sale.
World AIDS Day RENT is the inaugural production for Artists Giving Back, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Chicago performers and professionals who have a passion for the arts and for giving back to the community. This one-night engagement production will take place on Worlds AIDS Day – December 1, 2015 – and all net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Artists Giving Back’s philanthropic partner in and beneficiary of the production.
Additionally, Artists Giving Back is thrilled to announce that LGBT singer/songwriter superstar and Chicagoland native, Steve Grand, will be joining the cast as a special featured guest artist. Mr. Grand, singer of the viral sensation “All-American Boy,” released his independent debut album, also titled “All-American Boy,” in March of 2015, which landed the #3 spot on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. Mr. Grand will perform “Seasons of Love” during the production, and will attend the RENT cast-and-audience after party, which will be hosted by Progress Bar (3359 N. Halsted, Chicago).
When addressing the choice of RENT for Artists Giving Back’s inaugural production, Artistic Director Peter Ruger had this to say: “Rent is a show that has inspired me for years. The passion of the music and the story, and the connection I felt to the wonderful characters brought me not only to the fight against AIDS, but also helped guide me to my life as a singer. I’m so excited that we at Artists Giving Back are getting to share this amazing show with Chicago to celebrate World AIDS Day 2015. I hope it touches our audience as much as it’s touched me over the years.”
Artists Giving Back’s World AIDS Day RENT will take place at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets can buy them from the Athenaeum Theatre’s website, www.athenaeumtheatre.org, under “buy tickets.”
Performance Details:
World AIDS Day RENT
7:30pm, December 1, 2015
Athenaeum Theatre 2936 N. Southport Avenue Chicago, IL
About Artists Giving Back:
Artists Giving Back is a Chicago-based startup nonprofit founded by local performers and professionals who feel that the arts are a perfect vehicle for advancing philanthropic and charitable endeavors. Artists Giving Back’s mission statement proclaims:
We believe in philanthropy through self-expression and creativity. Through the production of art in all its forms—music, dance, drama, visual—we aim to support artists and our community. Artists Giving Back is an opportunity to interact with our community through the healing power of art.
Artists Giving Back aims to enrich the community in two primary ways: first, by providing quality artistic experiences to the public, and second, by donating all proceeds raised from its productions and artistic endeavors to local charities. While a new organization – Artists Giving Back was incorporated as a nonprofit in February 2015 – Artists Giving Back is proud to say that it is already full steam ahead on its inaugural production of RENT. More information about Artists Giving Back can be found on its website, www.artistsgivingback.org.
The production of Artists Giving Back World AIDS Day RENT is entirely funded by tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Anyone interested in donating to Artists Giving Back can do so through the Artists Giving Back website.
Legal Council for Health Justice
Acclaimed Chicago-area HIV Legal Services Nonprofit Expands Mission, Changes Name to “Legal Council for Health Justice”
One of the region’s most respected nonprofit organizations, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, is changing its name to Legal Council for Health Justice. The new name reflects an agency expansion from single-disease services and advocacy on behalf of individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS to more broadly use the power of the law to build better lives across the lifespan of vulnerable people and communities challenged by chronic, disabling, and stigmatized health conditions.
The change is the result of an 18-month transformation which merged three established nonprofit programs — AIDS Legal Council, Homeless Outreach Project, and Chicago Medical-Legal Partnership for Children – under one roof. In doing so, the agency has created one of the largest independent organizations in the country built entirely around delivery of legal services through models of care known as medical-legal partnerships (“MLPs”), forming a Midwestern hub of MLP program and policy development.
The medical-legal partnership approach aims to improve the well-being of people and communities by leading health, public health, and legal sectors in an integrated, “upstream” approach to combatting health-harming social conditions. The three programs will keep their names and continue to each grow high-quality education, client service, and policy work – just under the ‘umbrella’ of the new agency name. Current health and human service partners include Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, Fantus Clinic, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Comer Children’s Hospital, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Howard Brown Health Center, TPAN, Austin Health Center, Friend Family Health Center, and Breakthrough Urban Ministries.
In the past fiscal year, agency programs have trained more than 1000 clinicians and clients, provided direct legal representation to almost 1500 adults, children, and their families, and made significant contributions to improving access and engagement in community well-being and economic security. Notably, AIDS Legal Council partnered with AIDS Foundation of Chicago with pro bono assistance from law firm Jenner & Block to make Illinois the first state in the nation to explicitly prohibit discrimination against persons with HIV in insurance plans. Since then, insurers across the nation have voluntarily followed suit. Similarly, Chicago Medical-Legal Partnership for Children was instrumental in protecting eligibility for Early Intervention, an early childhood program that helps close the gaps for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, from being cut in half. This program was also the force behind a key report in 2015 that triggered successful legislation (Public Act 099-0325) ensuring that students in charter schools have the same health and safety protections as students in district-run public schools statewide.
Most recently, the agency has been in the news for its leadership in two class action lawsuits to spur the State of Illinois to release payments for Medicaid-funded health services to medical providers statewide (Memisovski v. Maram and Beeks v. Bradley) despite a state budget impasse which began on July 1, 2015. This effort is the result of a decades-long collaboration between the Legal Council for Health Justice and the Shriver Center with pro bono assistance from law firm Goldberg Kohn. The litigation is presently pending.
AIDS RUN WALK Chicago 2015
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is AFC’s grassroots fundraising event where people from all walks of life help change the story of HIV in our lifetime.
As beneficiaries of the event, AFC and our CommunityDirect partners are greatly impacted – beyond just the obvious ways.
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago stands up to the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS allowing progress to continue toward ending the epidemic. Run & Walk invigorates the sector by increasing awareness for the cause, growing our passionate community and allowing new leaders to emerge.
In 2014, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago raised over $394,000 net to benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Over and above that, we granted $240,000 to our CommunityDirect partners. These funds allow us to continue saving and improving the lives of those living with or at risk for HIV.
SIGN UP TODAY!!
Chicago AIDS Walk Sept. 26th
“Put your foot down.” That’s the message behind this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, hosted by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and benefiting 35 other community organizations — known as CommunityDirect partners — on Sept. 26 at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
“We want supporters to put their foot down and make a difference in this epidemic, especially among communities most impacted by HIV,” said AFC President/CEO John Peller. “At the biggest annual HIV awareness event in Chicago, we want to make it clear that new HIV infections can be a thing of the past if we put the right resources in the right places — including AFC and our 35 CommunityDirect partners.”
The 35 CommunityDirect partners that will raise funds through this year’s event will receive 90% of all money raised by their teams. Last year, the 32 CommunityDirect teams raised a combined $270,000.
The aim of the event — and the CommunityDirect program — is to support HIV/AIDS programs and services across Chicago, particularly in neighborhoods most affected by the epidemic.
“There are uncertain times ahead for many human services providers in Illinois,” said Simone Koehlinger, Senior Vice President of Programming. “AIDS Run & Walk Chicago brings funds and awareness to organizations having a significant impact on the HIV community — organizations that are making communities healthier and stronger.”
The CommunityDirect partners serving the South Side are Black Methodists for Church Renewal, COIP/UIC School of Public Health, Greater Full Gospel Pentecostal Church, Men & Women in Prison Ministries, Michael Reese Research & Education Foundation and the University of Chicago (Care2Prevent).
Those serving the North Side are Asian Human Services, Center on Halsted, Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Howard Brown Health Center and Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
CommunityDirect partners on the West Side include the Austin CBC Initiative, CALOR, Children’s Place Association, Erie Family Health Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, New Age Services, Project Vida, Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Vida/SIDA) and Taskforce Prevention and Community Services.
Organizations that provide citywide services are the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, Chicago Recovery Alliance, Chicago Women’s AIDS Project, FCAN, Heartland Health Outreach, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH), The Night Ministry, Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative, Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center and Season of Concern.
And finally, AFC is proud to partner with organizations that serve people outside of Chicago: Canticle Ministries, Open Door Clinic and Youth Outlook.
Event registration is $40 in advance for 5k walkers and $50 for 5k or 10k runners. To register as an individual or as a team, or to donate to a CommunityDirect team, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946. Online registration ends Sept. 20
Put your foot down to end new HIV infections
To give both AIDS Run & Walk Chicago participants and HIV advocates a way to express their demand for better support for HIV prevention and services, AFC is leading a social media campaign from now through Sept. 26 that invites people to “put their feet down” for the cause.
Participants are invited to print a template and write the reason they “put their foot down” to change the epidemic. They can then take a photo of the template with their foot, post to their social media platforms with the hashtag #aidsrunwalkchicago and share it with their communities. More information about the campaign and a link to the template can be found at aidsrunwalk.org.
Dance For Life Chicago August 15th
Dance for Life: Dancers Unite to Inspire Chicago from Center Stage
Chicago’s Top Dance Troupes Raise Funds and Awareness for HIV/AIDS on Aug. 15
Experience a night of breathtaking performances as seven of Chicago’s top dance companies come together for one evening at Dance for Life. With thought provoking choreography and poignant music, this highly anticipated event is held annually to support organizations and dance community professionals dealing with critical health issues, including, but not limited to HIV/AIDS, through the art of dance. Since 1992, Dance for Life has raised millions of dollars to support the cause.
This year, the funny and talented Joey Bland and Tim Mason from The Second City will emcee the night. Choreographer Randy Duncan will bring his highly acclaimed work STAND BY ME with special music arrangement by Ira Antelis to the Auditorium Theatre as Dance for Life’s finale. Performing group C5 will also present a show stopping world premiere.
Dance for Life believes in cultivating young talent in the Chicago dance community and giving them the opportunity to shine. That’s why for the first time ever, the finale will feature local professional dancers that were selected through a special audition.
Funds raised through this year’s Dance for Life benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and The Dancers’ Fund.
Participating Companies Include:
• Giordano Dance Chicago
• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
• Joffrey Ballet
• River North Dance Chicago
• C5
• Chicago Human Rhythm Project
• Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015
5:00 p.m. – Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom (720 S. Michigan Ave.)
7:30 p.m. – Dance for Life Performance – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E. Congress Pkwy.)
*Complimentary shuttle bus service provided between the two venues.
COST: $15-$75 (performance only)
$250- $600 (includes admission to 5:00 p.m. gala reception and premiere seating at the performance)
To purchase tickets, please call 312-922-5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.org
Connect with Dance for Life on Facebook!
AIDS Foundation Chicago
IN THIS MOMENT
Learn how the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has worked to change the HIV epidemic over the past 30 years — and how together we can change the future of HIV through breakthrough resources like PrEP, the Affordable Care Act and Treatment as Prevention.
MAKE THIS MOMENT MATTER
This moment in the history of HIV relies on your support. Make a donation to AFC today.
Help us share this pivotal moment by using #30YearsofAction.
WATCH THE VIDEO
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) commemorated its 30th year of action in the HIV/AIDS community with a celebratory gala on Saturday, May 16, at the Hilton Chicago. The milestone event hosted 680 guests and raised significant funds for ongoing prevention, care and advocacy services in the fight against HIV epidemic nationwide. Actress Amy Landecker, of the Golden Globe award-winning series Transparent, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
President/CEO John Peller set the tone for the evening with powerful remarks about the evolution of the HIV/AIDS community.
“New cases have been cut by 40 percent in the past decade, but with that progress came apathy. We have made great strides over the years but AIDS is still a problem and we must not lose this moment to continue the fight,” Peller stated.
Luxury Get Away Travel Prizes
AIDS Foundation of Chicago celebrates next week with a huge 30th Year Gala held on May 16 to commemorate AFC’s innovative work and leadership in the HIV/AIDS community.
The Gala planning committee has worked hard to create these Luxury Vacation Raffle Packages shown below. If you can’t make it to the event, raffle tickets are the perfect way to support us as we turn 30 because you don’t need to attend the Gala to enter.
Raffle tickets are available online at the following levels: eight tickets for $200; three tickets for $100; one ticket for $50. Purchase tickets for your chance to win one of our alluring vacation packages.
Luxury Vacation #1: Enjoy a private beach in Aruba for three nights at the Renaissance Resort & Casino (pictured to the right). This travel package includes GayOrbitz.com vouchers for round-trip travel for two and an Off-Road Island Tour. Get more details on this trip.
Total package value: $2,780
Luxury Vacation #2: Stay on the Upper East Side of New York City at The Surrey (pictured to the left). This travel package includes a $500 American Airlines voucher, breakfast for two at Café Boulud and a Greenwich Village High Line Park and Food Tour. Enjoy a rooftop garden and so much more on this luxurious trip.
Total package value: $1,450
Purchase raffle tickets online.
Thank you for supporting AIDS Foundation Chicago!
Chicago House Spring Fashion Brunch
A sell-out year after year, the Spring Brunch and Fashion Show is an annual rite for Chicago House supporters and sponsors alike. After a lavish brunch, attendees were treated with a runway fashion show featuring exclusive men’s and women’s fashions from local greats.
MANY MORE PHOTOS HERE
In the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the US, nearly 100 activists met at the historic Baton Show Lounge to address the dire need for housing for Chicagoans living with AIDS. On September 9, 1985, Chicago House was incorporated in Illinois as not-for-profit the goal of providing housing for those with AIDS.
FOR 30 YEARS Chicago House and Social Service agency has served individuals and families who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ marginalization, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity by providing housing, employment services, medical linkage and retention services, HIV prevention services, legal services and other supportive programs.
Please visit their site and be sure to LIKE them on Facebook!
AIDS Foundation Gala May 16th
The BIGGEST Gala of the year is just 2 weeks away!
An incredible evening to remember and raise funds!
Plan to arrive at 6 pm! You will punch your way to prizes at our interactive and celebrated punch board (details coming soon) and enter chances to win a luxury vacation to Aruba or New York City in our raffle while sipping on spirits and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres
· Amy Landecker, star in Amazon Prime’s series Transparent and former AFC staff member, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies
· Tom Kehoe will receive the Community Impact Award; Ernie Rodriguez will receive the Lori Kaufman Volunteer Award
· Paddles will raise during our live auction for luxury vacations to Hawaii, Las Vegas and Coronado Island
· Paddles will raise again in honor of AFC’s innovative work in the community
· DJKiss will get you grooving to the best beats in town—dancing until midnight!
ALSO Save these dates!
Team to End AIDS Endurance Training Program Registration
August 15, 2015—Dance for Life
September 26, 2015—AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
December 3, 2015—World of Chocolate
Aids Foundation Chicago Gala in May
The biggest GALA of the year!
On Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the Hilton Chicago, we will gather together as Illinois’ strongest HIV/AIDS community to commemorate AFC’s three decades as a leader in the fight against HIV.
It’s the right time to change the story of HIV, but we can only move forward with your unwavering support.
“Our 30th Year Gala will be a rallying point for our most dedicated supporters to stand with AFC in this unprecedented moment in history. Recent medical breakthroughs and shifts in the health care landscape have put AFC in its strongest position ever to prevent new infections and better support people living with HIV and AIDS.”
The evening will include:
- A program led by Amy Landecker, who stars in the 2015 Golden Globe-winning TV series Transparent
- A vacation auction and raffle
- Dinner
- Dancing to music by DJ Kiss
- Live Auction includes luxurious vacations to Hawaii and Las Vegas
- Raffle includes vacations to Aruba and NYC
- A punch board full of prizes from Chicago restaurants, theaters, spas and more.
AFC will be honoring Thomas Kehoe with the Community Impact Award and Ernie Rodriguez with the Lori Kaufman Volunteer Award.
Join us at the 30th Year Gala to show your commitment to this vibrant community that has led the fight for 30 years.
Chicago House Annual Fashion Brunch
Those of us who remember the headline “Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals” in The New York Times on July 3, 1981 also can remember the fear, the shame, and the hysteria that followed soon after. It was a full year before the reason for that “rare cancer” had a name: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It was even longer before a safety net was in place to catch those falling victim to HIV.
In 1985, Chicago House opened its doors as the first provider of AIDS Housing and Support Services in the Midwest, offering eight beds that would allow those with AIDS a place to die with dignity. Many of those first residents were gay men. From the start, our founders, our staff, our board, and our residents were people from all walks of life who were:
- Unified in fighting poverty and homelessness,
- Unified in support of the LGBTQ community, and
- Unified in serving those with HIV/AIDS.
It is now 30 years later, and thankfully HIV/AIDS has eased from crisis mode for many. Antiretroviral medications are now so effective that people who are positive are not only living healthy lives, but also are not passing on HIV thanks to undetectable viral loads. Concurrently, the preventive HIV medication PrEP (among other advancements) is now available to help assure that those who are HIV negative remain negative.
Similarly, LGBTQ civil equality has achieved unprecedented success and progress. In 1985, the founders of Chicago House gathered around a table at The Baton in downtown Chicago to help provide an answer and some relief to the greatest needs of the LGBTQ community. We can only try to imagine their joy had they been able to see the advancements achieved over these last 30 years.
Unfortunately the gains we have made in HIV/AIDS care and in LGBTQ equality have not been shared by many of those experiencing the first of our three founding calls to action: poverty and homelessness. In fact, those living with HIV/AIDS and those who identify as LGBTQ remain disproportionately affected by poverty and homelessness. Those who are low income are over five times more likely to have HIV, and 29% of all LGBTQ people experienced food insecurity in the last year. It is in the face of those facts that Chicago House recently cut the ribbon on the TranLife Center, and it is in the face of those facts that we continue working tirelessly to serve those most marginalized and most in need in the LGBTQ community and among those living with HIV.
Thirty years of service offers many reasons to celebrate, but the reality of disproportionate homelessness and poverty offers even more reasons to fight harder than ever for the people that we serve. Thank you so much for remaining with us in the fight.
Chicago House: There at the Beginning. Here to meet the challenge.
This year’s Spring Fashion Brunch on May 3rd is all about celebrating Chicago House’s 30 Years of Service and the last three decades of fashion. In fact, all guests are invited to come dressed in his or her favorite fashion moment or trend from the past 30 years. The fashion certainly won’t be limited to the runway this year!
THIS SELLS OUT EVERY YEAR! GET TICKETS ONLINE NOW!
Amy Landecker in Chicago for AFC Gala in May
30 Years of Action: 30th Year Gala Marks AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Milestone Fighting HIV/AIDS
Actress Amy Landecker to be master of ceremonies at AFC’s 30th Year Gala on May 16!
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) commemorates 30 years of action with the HIV/AIDS community during its 30th Year Gala, taking place at the Hilton Chicago on May 16.
The event marks a historic milestone for the organization, which has led the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Chicago metropolitan area since the early years of the epidemic. Thirty years later, AFC commemorates the work its community of supporters, advocates, service providers, and community organizations have done to reduce new HIV infections and provide support for the estimated 43,000 people living with HIV and AIDS in Illinois today.
Renowned actress Amy Landecker will be master of ceremonies, highlighting AFC’s impact on HIV/AIDS in Chicago, Illinois and across the U.S. Landecker is known for her role in the Academy Award-nominated film A Serious Man and currently stars in Amazon’s Golden Globe winning comedy series Transparent, which chronicles the lives of a Los Angeles family whose patriarch is transgender.
Guests at the 30th Year Gala will also enjoy live entertainment from a special performer (to be announced next year), specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing and a raffle. Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 6 p.m. to Midnight
WHERE: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave.
TICKETS: $500 per person. $5,000 per table. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935
Chicago House THE TEASE Event 2015
February 28, 2015
Two shows, 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm
AIDS Foundation Chicago Awards $220,000!
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is pleased to announce 18 award recipients of its 2014 Challenge Grants — a legacy program that awards financial support to organizations that are making a difference in the HIV epidemic and the lives of people living with the virus in Illinois. A combined total of $220,000 was awarded among the receiving organizations.
This year, funding was determined based on four categories: Community Mobilization, Strengthening Communities & Reducing Health Disparities, Integration of Service Systems, and Improving Outcomes at Every Stage of HIV Care. These categories directly align with the initiatives set forth by AFC’s 2013-2015 Strategic Plan.
“After an in-depth review process by our Grant Making Committee, we are excited to announce this year’s grant recipients and look forward to supporting an array of innovative and strong HIV/AIDS programs,” said Cynthia Tucker, AFC’s director of Prevention and Community Partnerships.
AFC will be providing funding to the following organizations:
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance
Care2Prevent at the University of Chicago
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago/Lake County Stands Against Stigma Coalition Enhancement
Chicago House & Social Service Agency
FCAN
Heartland Health Outreach
Hektoen Institute for Medical Research/City-Wide Adolescent Sexual Health Roundtable
Howard Brown Health Center
LAF
McDermott Center (Haymarket)
New Age Services Corporation
Open Door Clinic
Planned Parenthood of Illinois
Puerto Rican Cultural Center — Vida/SIDA/MSM Taskforce
The CORE Foundation/Step Up Get Tested Plus
The Night Ministry
TPA Network
The 2014 Challenge Grants prioritize strategies advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS within the following populations identified in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men of all races and ethnicities, African Americans, Latinos/Latinas, transgender people and women of color.
“Given the major changes facing the HIV/AIDS service sector, including implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, new prevention strategies and the increasing need for community collaboration, our Challenge Grants give us an opportunity to fund innovative programs that address immediate and long-term priorities in an ever-changing HIV/AIDS landscape,” said John Peller, AFC president/CEO.
#We are all Clean HIV Challenge
THIS IS BRILLIANT!
Could this be the HIV equivalent to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? We think so. The concept is the brainchild of well-known HIV activist, Jack Mackenroth who has partnered with Moovz, the leading global gay social app, to launch the project. It’s genius in its simplicity. We are now a selfie-obsessed culture and Mackenroth urges everyone to take a special selfie for an important cause.
“I was inspired by the use of the word ‘clean’, especially common in gay culture, to describe oneself as STI/STD free. Indirectly this implies that HIV-positive people are somehow ‘dirty'”, says Mackenroth. “I thought a PG or PG-13 shower selfie or Vine video would be a fun way that everyone could easily show their support on social media for finding a cure by using the hashtag #weareALLclean when they post their photo with the link. They then nominate 3 other people to participate and hopefully donate to the project as well.”
The goal of the campaign is to raise 1 million dollars to stop the epidemic and help find a cure and the campaign will be ongoing indefinitely. Donate here. All donations received will be donated to Housing Works, a New York-based nonprofit organization fighting on the front lines to end AIDS and homelessness, not just in New York but globally by 2030. The CDC estimates that there are currently 1.2 million people in the US living with HIV and over 35 million people around the world.
“As someone who has been living with HIV for 25 years this is very personal to me.” Mackenroth adds, “There is current urgency for funding as we have new treatments that maintain viral suppression and render HIV-positive individuals virtually non-transmissible. Those same treatments can be given to HIV-negative individuals and protect them from infection. Essentially we already have the tools to stop the epidemic from spreading. Exciting new research is bringing us closer to a real cure for AIDS every day. ”
The campaign will launch within Moovz because of the app’s high user engagement rates and it’s history of successful international LGBT social media campaigns. Mackenroth is known as a social media powerhouse in his own right but he is also enlisting many of his “social media superstar” friends to get the campaign off the ground.
Actor, model, singer and social media stud, Chris Salvatore is igniting the campaign from Los Angeles after joining forces with Moovz as well. “It’s time to erase the stigma and unite as a global community. Regardless of your gender or sexual identity—no matter what age, color, size or shape you are, you should be part of this project! Let’s all be one loud, united voice in support of awareness, education, treatment and research for a cure.” says Salvatore. “And have fun with it. Be funny, sexy or silly. Who doesn’t want to see people in the shower soaping up for a good cause?”
“I truly hope this campaign goes viral—no pun intended.” Mackenroth quips.
The campaign launches between now and World AIDS Day, December 1st and is ongoing until the goal is reached. The hope is that there will be traction in the following weeks so that people know about the campaign on World AIDS Day and change their profile photos to show support.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Take a selfie or Vine video of yourself in the shower.** NO EXPLICIT NUDITY**
2) Post your photo now on Moovz and all social media platforms with the caption “Take HIV Shower Selfie Challenge raise $$ for AIDS cure bit.ly/CUREAIDS #
3) Nominate 3 or more other people to participate!
4) (Optional) DONATE!! Please consider a small donation if you are able. Every penny counts! bit.ly/CUREAIDS
5) On World AIDS Day (or before) : Monday, December 1st, please change all your social media profile pix to your shower selfie photo and spread the word!!
AIDS Foundation Chicago Walk Run Sept. 14th
PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS TOMORROW on September 3 for the 2014 AIDS Run/Walk Chicago!
Sign up to join our community of passionate individuals and partner organizations gathering to support vital services for those living with HIV/AIDS in the Chicagoland area!
www.aidsrunwalk.org
AIDS Run Walk Chicago September 14 2014
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago raises funds to support life-saving care, prevention and housing services
WHAT: Ready… Set… Go!Thousands of Chicago-area runners will hit the lakefront path on Sunday, Sept.14 for this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, the city’s largest annual fundraising run/walk for HIV/AIDS. The event kicks off at Arvey Field in Grant Park with 5K and 10K courses winding along the lakeshore. Runners and walkers will be treated to post-race performances by local dance companies as well as entertainment along the route.
Funds raised through the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will benefit programs and services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and local partner organizations that work with more than 25,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Chicagoland. Since its founding in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has raised more than $4 million to battle the epidemic.
To register, donate or learn more, visitwww.aidsrunwalk.orgor call (312) 334-0946. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
WHEN: September 14, 2014
8:00 a.m. Event registration and packet pick-up
9:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies
9:30 a.m. 5K Walk begins
9:45 a.m. 10K Run begins
9:50 a.m. 5K Run begins
10:00 a.m. Post-race entertainment
COST: Event registration is $30-$45 in advance; $50 on-site. Registration includes the official t-shirt and other swag. To register as a fundraising individual or as a team, visit www.aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946.
WHERE: Arvey Field in Grant Park, 1501 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60605
FREE Hiv Tests at Chicago Walgreens June 27th
As part of its ongoing commitment to fight HIV/AIDS, Walgreens is collaborating with Greater Than AIDS to help offer free HIV testing in support of National HIV Testing Day, June 27.
Free testing provided by health departments and AIDS service organizations will be available to the public with no appointment necessary at 27 Walgreens stores in Chicago. For more information, including a complete list of participating Walgreens locations, visit www.greaterthan.org/walgreens.
What: Free HIV testing, no appointment necessary
When: Thursday, June 26, 3-7 p.m.
Friday, June 27, 3-7 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 27 locations in Chicago including:
- 151 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60601 – phone: 312-863-4249
- 5401 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60609 – phone: 773-268-5664
- 2340 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612 – phone: 312-226-7913
- 953 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60613 – phone: 773-935-6414
- 1554 E. 55th St., Chicago IL 60615 – phone: 773-667-1177
- 3405 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 – phone: 312-326-4058
- 2924 E. 92nd St., Chicago, IL 60617 – phone: 773-721-6603
- 11 E. 75th St., Chicago, IL 60619 – phone: 773-224-1211
- 8628 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60619 – phone: 773-651-8500
- 3401 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60624 – phone: 773-542-1232
- 3800 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60624 – phone: 773-826-1817
- 7410 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60626 – phone: 773-743-6784
- 6330 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60637 – phone: 773-324-8500
- 5440 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60640 – phone: 773-596-5022
- 833 W. 115th St., Chicago, IL 60643 – phone: 773-568-4034
- 5222 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60644 – phone: 773-287-0380
- 1601 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 – phone: 773-342-9161
- 2015 E. 79th St., Chicago, IL 60649 – phone: 773-734-2492
- 7109 S. Jeffery Blvd., Chicago, IL 60649 – phone: 773-665-8990
- 912 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-665-8990
- 2817 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-327-6119
- 3046 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-325-0413
- 3201 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-327-3591
- 3245 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-248-3160
- 111 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661 – phone: 312-463-9142
- 522 Torrence Ave., Calumet City, IL 60409 – phone: 708-868-5669
- 12854 S. Ashland Ave., Calumet Park, IL 60827 – phone: 708-239-1136
Why: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.1 million people nationwide are living with HIV/AIDS. Yet, one in six do not know they are HIV/AIDS positive.1
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve health, extend life and help to prevent the spread of the disease. In fact, people with HIV who take prescribed medication regularly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus by as much as 96 percent.2
Community pharmacists at Walgreens HIV-specialized pharmacies are specially trained to provide continued support to meet the unique needs of HIV-positive patients. Walgreens HIV-specially trained pharmacists can help patients better manage their health by encouraging patients to take medications as prescribed and providing tips related to coping with barriers to care.
