cross-posted at Burnt Orange Report and Texas Kaos
I know that most charity in Austin right now is aimed at helping the many, many people affected by the fires and that is as it should be. Over 1,400 people have lost their homes and they need massive amounts of help, right now. Here are 2 pages with places you can donate for that:
http://www.kxan.com/...
http://www.statesman.com/...
and the Committee on Relief of the United Methodist Church is already on the ground, helping - 100% of donations go to fire relief: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/...
In Austin, we have several events coming up raising awareness and funds for organizations serving those affected by HIV & AIDS. Austin Red Week includes my city's hosting of a segment of the Quilt, and also events like Dining For Life and AIDS Walk Austin.
On September 12 & 13, many restaurants in Austin are donating a portion of their proceeds to AIDS Services of Austin. This link has a list of Dining for Life Restaurants. They are having hosts at the participating restaurants, and I'm hosting at at Mother's Cafe on Monday, September 12. I hope I can pack this restaurant and maximize their donation to AIDS Services of Austin. If you're in the Austin area, and a vegetarian restrurant in central Austin sounds like a good place to spend your Monday evening, please join me. If Hyde Park is too far out of your way. check out the list of other list of Dining for Life Restaurants. But really Austin Kossacks -- don't you want some yummy Jamaican stir-fry? Or a Mother's Bueno Burger? Come join me! What better way to make a difference in the lives of so many than to enjoy a great meal with good friends and know the dollars are going to an important cause.
Mother's Café
4215 Duval St.
Monday, September 12
The other thing I'm writing anout is AIDS Walk Austin. The event isn't till October, but many people are raising money already. I was top fundraiser last year, and that is going to be a tough race this year. Here's my my AIDS Walk Austin page. The Walk page has many different people talking about why they walk, I thought I'd share some of their reasons with you:
Why Jerrol walks:
"I will walk again for my old friend Victor who has gone down the path to the clearing. I'll walk for my (former) colleagues, Jackie, Michael, Becky, Stewart, John, Susan, Sue, Ben, Joette, Karen, Rindy, Rose, Michelle, and others I have worked with in the past and some I continue to work with. I love all of you and I want you to know how important I still feel it is to walk for AIDS. I'll walk for the absolute fun of it - a much needed and welcome emotion at any point in time - but especially now. I'll walk because I believe in the fight against HIV/AIDS; and I always will!"
Why Meghan walks:
"I walk so people do not forget those who have died from HIV and those who are living with HIV. We still have a great deal of work to do. People are still suffering a great deal from the stigma associated with HIV and we need to continue to raise awareness and educate the community to keep this issue from fading into the background."
Why Renee M walks:
"I walk for my mom, Vickie, who died 15 years ago, when I was 12 years old. I walk because I am not ashamed. I walk to give and receive support. I walk to raise awareness. I walk for those who can not."
Why an ASA client walks:
"I walk the AIDS Walk for my life living with AIDS but most of all for my friends who lost their lives to AIDS. We need to find a cure so we can save many lives. Please come walk..."
Why La'Toya walks:
“I walk because I want to help end the stigma of HIV and AIDS. I walk because I am a part of a community being highly affected and infected by this disease. I walk because the community is where education about HIV and AIDS begins. I walk because I have the power to give and meet others who can share their story. I walk because I want to help promote and provide positive outcomes for a disease many see as a negative. I walk because I can.
“I walk because I believe when people come together in huge numbers we make a huge difference. When there is a difference it's because people listened, and when people listen, change happens.”
La'Toya is a Case Manager at AIDS Services of Austin
Why Laura Morrison walks:
“I know personally the importance of AIDS treatment, because it came too late for my brother, Bill. In 1995 Bill was the 26th person from his group of friends to pass away as a result of the AIDS virus. That same year, the “cocktail” was introduced. As a result, his good friend John, who had been extremely ill at the time of Bill’s death, is thriving today.
“For over 25 years, AIDS Services of Austin has been the heart and soul for those living with HIV and AIDS in Central Texas. By providing ASA funding for services and support, we can help sustain the health and enhance the quality of life for thousands in our community. Please join me and the Laura’s Angels team in support of AIDS Services Austin in the 2009 AIDS Walk Austin.”
Laura Morrison is an Austin City Council Member
Why Alisa and Oliver walk:
“Giving back is a core mission of L Style G Style. Building community and creating inclusivity for all generates a more conscious and compassionate city. With so many opportunities to support wonderful organizations, it is events like the AIDS Walk that are near and dear to our hearts.
“The gay and lesbian community has been impacted by friends, family and loved ones who have HIV and AIDS. In honor and support of those we know, we walk proudly for them and invite you to walk alongside us and make the 2009 AIDS Walk a huge success!”
Alisa Weldon and Oliver Everette produce L Style G Style
I raise money for AIDS Services of Austin and the other agencies that provide education and services because there are too many people I love too much who are affected by this disease. I want people to have the care they need - and I'd like people to be given the facts so that fewer people get infected. Please give if you can, the agencies that benefit do so much to help people who really need it. Here's my my AIDS Walk Austin page. And Austin Kossacks, please come have dinner on Sept. 12.