May 27, 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of my Father’s death from AIDs. While participating in walk-a-thons and dance-a-thons to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS was a huge part of my youth, it has taken a back seat as the years have passed. I’ve been on the lookout for a way to commemorate his life and passing and I think I’ve found just the right thing. I’m excited to let you know that this June I’ll be a roadie for the 10th annual AIDS/LifeCycle. The ALC is a 7 day bicycle trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles that raises very necessary funds for AIDS research and resources in both metropolitan areas. I’ll be joining the hundreds of other roadies that make this event possible for the thousands that take the 545 mile trek. I would love your financial support to help insure this a huge success!
The funds raised by this ride help the LA Gay and Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS foundation do life saving work. In San Francisco alone, there will be an estimated 1000 new cases of HIV this year. In the last several years AIDS research and AIDS services have been drastically cut all over the country and the Bay Area has been no exception. Help is still needed, and events like this are as crucial as ever in making sure that help is still available.
Everyone I know who’s ridden or roadied says participating is a life changing event. I imagine that this being the events 10th year makes that likely to be truer than ever. They’ve already had to close registration for both roadies and riders earlier than ever before in the history of the ride.
While the work I’ll be doing will be valuable (I’ll be on the massage team) and while I’ll be volunteering my time, it still won’t be free. In order to have me on their team it will cost ALC money for food, transportation, etc. That being said, I’ve set my goal to raise $2,000, so that I’m not only cost neutral, but actually contributing to the financial gain for these organizations. Will you help make that happen? Even $15 will get me closer to my goal. Please spread the word and help me make a difference.
Sincerely,
- whit
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