IN THIS ISSUE
The 2nd Annual AIDS Alive Carnival was held on May 22, 2001. Over 25 students from the Rosemont School of the Holy Child organized and ran this event. Details and picture on page 2. SpeakUp 2001 was held this past September with over 800 urban and suburban youth, educators, and parents/guardians participating. See page 3. Hoops for Hope took place at Cabrini College and this year with a new spin. Pictures and story on page 4.
AIDS ALIVE
A PUBLICATION OF THE AIDS ALIVE COMMITTEE
NEW FLA S Vis SH! i ww web st our
w.A ite IDSA at live .org
VOLUME 3 • NUMBER 1
’T DON ET! G ay FOR IDS D . A ld er 1 o Wor ecemb those wh s is D ber all of d by thi
em ” uche “Rem been to disease. ave stating h deva
Thomas H. Klein
The President of Destination Home Computer Consulting Service, Tom Klein, shares his story with AIDS Alive to educate students about the HIV/AIDS virus. We would like to send a special thanks to Tom for all he has done and continues to do for our organization. He is an expert in the subject because he has been living with HIV. Since being infected with HIV in 1991, Tom has been blessed with good health throughout. He feels that it is his destiny to take this affliction, coupled with his inner desire to teach others, and turn it into something that could Make a Difference in the lives of our youth. Tom joined AIDS Alive in October of 1997 to help “put a face” to this disease and change attitudes. With the help of Tom, we go around to schools each year and speak to thousands of kids about HIV/AIDS to give them the necessary information to help guard them against HIV infection. Tom recently started a new business venture which is called Destination Home Computer Consulting Service. Destination Home is a full in-home computer consulting service, and he specializes in working with people with all different computer knowledge to provide a complete in-home training and technical service. He also offers technical assistance to help diagnose and fix your problem. He brings 15 years experience in the business world in careers such as banking, training, and computer network management. For more information on Destination Home, please call 484-431-8463.
Neiman Marcus
David and Sybil Yurman honored Mary Margaret Gillin Lang with the “Thoroughbred Award” on May 3rd at Neiman Marcus in the Short Hill Mall. Mary Margaret’s brother Bob died from the HIV/AIDS virus in 1992. David Yurman, designer and founder of the David and Sybil Yurman Humanitarian Foundation, displayed his jewelry and gave a percentage of the proceeds to AIDS Alive. AIDS Alive chose the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, located in Newark, New Jersey as the beneficiary. Their mission is to provide family-centered services to children and adults who are coping with the impact of HIV/AIDS. They have started three St. Clare’s Homes which offer transitional care for babies and children who have AIDS or who are medically fragile.
AIDS Walk
Over 40,000 people participated in the AIDS Walk on October 21st, many of whom were family and friends of AIDS Alive. Supporting the AIDS Walk is a unique chance to educate others about HIV/ AIDS. It is a powerful show of solidarity the day of the Walk to see banners representing businesses, congregations, schools, neighborhoods, and families all coming together to raise funds for more than 60 organizations providing AIDS prevention, education, and direct care services. Mark your calendars for next year’s AIDS Walk taking place on October 20, 2002. No one should feel alone in the fight against AIDS.
David Yurman and Mary Margaret Gillin Lang.
AIDSALIVE 2
6th Graders from Rosemont School of the Holy Child Do It Again!
The second Annual Aids Alive Carnival was held on May 22nd at the Villanova University Law School. Sponsored again by the girls and boys of the 6th grade class of the Rosemont School of the Holy Child, the carnival was a HUGE SUCCESS! The kids raised $1,800. There were a variety of activities including face painting, fish pond, sports challenges, moon-bounce photo buttons and much more. There was also dinner for the kids, including hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, and a candy booth. The students started the event because they wanted to give something back to their community. As it turns out, they received just as much out of the event as they gave. A huge thank you goes out to the students, parents and all those involved in the carnival. We are very fortunate to have such great friends. Thank you!
The Rosehil Foundation
Pictured with Martie Gillin (center) are (left to right) Connie, Hilary, Hannah and Bruce Buckley.
“Someone Who Cares”
Kristin Battaglini, who is in the fourth grade at Rosemont School of the Holy Child (RSHC) was given a project in religion class where she received $2 from her teacher and then was asked to go out and do something positive with the money. The project is based on a parable called, “The Master and His Three Servants” (Matthew25:14-30). Kristin’s teacher, Beth Carroll, talked to the students about some ideas: they could donate it to a Church or to a shelter; they could buy something with it to donate; they could pool their money to try to make more. The choice was theirs. Kristin graciously donated the $2, along with $3 of her own money to AIDS Alive because she believes, “AIDS Alive is for a very good and important cause.” We want to thank the students at the RSHC for their generous and gracious spirit.
A guardian angel has introduced us to The Rosehil Foundation from Havertown, a small private family foundation that has graciously donated to AIDS Alive and SpeakUp! The Buckley’s have become very involved with our organization since our meeting.
Their daughter, Hannah Buckley, created an amazing poster with the AIDS ribbon, breast cancer ribbon and drug abuse ribbon that you can see in the picture (left). They are an amazing family. We at AIDS Alive are grateful to them for their commitment and confidence in our Hannah proudly mission.
displays her poster.
Over 25 sixth grade students from the Rosemont School of the Holy Child put together an awesome second annual AIDS Alive Carnival. We are happy to report that funds raised for AIDS Alive were donated to Camp Dreamcatcher which provides a safe, supportive, and therapeutic service to children infected/ affected by HIV/AIDS and their families.
AIDSALIVE 3
“For those who say it cannot be done, get out of the way for those who are doing it.”
MAR K CALE YOUR NDAR Speak U
p! Septe mber is 2002 21, !
SpeakUp! held its second annual conference on September 22, 2001, at St. Joseph’s University, bringing together urban and suburban youth, educators and parents/guardians to explore and address issues such as Drugs & Alcohol, Teen Suicide, Sex & AIDS, Leadership, Appreciating Differences, and much more. It all started eight years ago when the HIV/AIDS virus knocked on the door of our home and claimed the life of our oldest, 30-year-old son. As a family of 10 children and two adults, we were devastated . . . our lives were changed forever. In working with AIDS-related community groups, we realized that the attitudes and the lack of communication that we had with our
The Three RRR’s Respect for Self Respect for Others Responsibility for Actions
YOUTH
RESPOND EXPLORE
EDUCATORS
PARENTS
The Four AAAA’s Acceptance Affection Accountability Abstinence
children were common with most families. So we developed a grassroots program that understands and reaches beyond the attitudes of resistance to help youth, educators and parents/guardians (YEP) communicate with one another called SpeakUp! We have worked with YEP in this program with rewarding life changing results. One of the key elements of our success is that we create a safe space where meaningful conversations can occur with The Three RRR’s: Respect for Self, Respect for Others, and Responsibility for Our Actions. Through intensive interaction, participants were encouraged to assume responsibility in making positive life choices. We partnered with the Center for Youth Development (CYD) of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. The CYD organized a Service Fair which allowed YEP the opportunity to connect with resources on each subject. SpeakUp! offers a variety of resources for teachers, schools, and community groups including: Mini SpeakUp! events, custom-designed group events to create dialogue, curriculum development, teacher inservice, ready-made web-based lesson plans on breakout topics. AIDS Alive and SpeakUp! have a belief long held but often forgotten, that individuals, families and organizations working together can and do Make a Difference.
Pearce-McCormick Consulting Group
We have partnered with Pearce-McCormick Consulting Group (PMCG). PMCG designed the day of SpeakUp! PMCG is a full-service organization development consulting firm. Their key capabilities include: Whole system intervention, group facilitation, team skills and team building, change enablement, leadership development, and coaching. PMCG is experienced in leading and facilitating new approaches to engaging whole organizations in change. Outcomes from whole-system processes include agreement on a common future vision, action plans to achieve that vision, and engaged, committed people who make it happen. Donna Skubis-Pearce, M.S. and Marie T. McCormick, Ph.D., M.B.A. are the founding partners of Pearce-McCormick Consulting Group. They have worked in a variety of industries, including education, telecommunications, health care, financial services, pharmaceuticals, consulting and nonprofits.
AC
KN
STE
N
OW
LI
GE LED
AIDSALIVE 4
In memory of Mary Margaret Wolfington Kelly Tegler
We would like to acknowledge everyone who has graciously donated to AIDS Alive in memory of Mary Margaret Wolfington Kelly Tegler. Words from Mary Margaret Tegler, “Today is beautiful, but sad. Remember, I love you all dearly. You are very special and unique, especially in the site of God who loves you just as you are and so do I. I am not leaving worldly wealth, but I am leaving a priceless treasure in each and everyone of you; all of you have enriched my life more than I can express, more than you will ever know.” In Mrs. Tegler’s memory, we continue to educate schools, organizations and communities about AIDS Awareness and Prevention – because our youth are precious to us. Thank you
The fourth annual HOOPS FOR HOPE event took place on November 11th at Cabrini College, and this year with a new spin! What was once a 3 on 3 tournament for all ages, evolved into a “Basketball Boot Camp” for boys and girls in 5th grade through high school. Philadelphia area coaches and players from Drexel University, LaSalle University, St. Joseph’s University, Villanova University, and the University of Pennsylvania conducted a player clinic, teaching techniques and drills to help the children improve their games. After the coaches and players finished their drill stations, Future Stars conducted a “Games Clinic” in which the participants were taught 5 backyard games that help them become better players. Games like Beat the Pro, Dribble Tag, and One on One were taught and played by all who attended for great prizes donated by several generous local merchants. Also held was the Hoops for Hope raffle, which featured great prizes such as game tickets, Big 5 tickets, college clothing and camp scholarships. The participants enjoyed a day of learning and fun! Hoops for Hope was sponsored by Future Stars, the leader in children’s summer day camps and sports camps.
Pictured left to right are Beth Devine, Mike Callinan, Maura McDonnel, Tom Padden, and Julie Wheeler.
The chairpersons of Hoops for Hope are happy to report that the event will help sponsor several camp scholarships at Camp Dreamcatcher this summer. Camp Dreamcatcher is a summer retreat for children affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. Our chairpersons included Beth Devine and Maura McDonnell, along with support from Julie Wheeler, Mike Callinan, Tom Padden and Kelly McCarver. This year we have decided to postpone the adult pre-happy hour in light of recent events. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are foremost with all the families and friends who have been touched by this tragedy of September 11th. We will keep you up to date on the possibility of holding the happy hour in the spring for March Madness.
AIDSALIVE 5
”If I Knew”
In memory of all of those whose lives were touched by the tragedy of September 11th; the passengers and the pilots on the United Air and AA flights, the workers in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and all the innocent bystanders. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all their friends and families.
If I knew it would be the last time that I’d see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep. If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more. If I knew it would be the last time I’d hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day. If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute to stop and say “I love you,” instead of assuming you would know I do. If I knew it would be the last time I’d be there to share your day, well I’m sure you’ll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away. For surely there’s always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything just right. There will always be another day to say, “I love you,” and certainly there’s another chance to say our “Anything I can do?” But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I’d like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, and today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight. So if you’re waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes, you’ll surely regret the day, that you didn’t take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish. So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear, tell them how much you love them and that you’ll always hold them dear. Take time to say, “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you,” or “It’s okay.” And if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regrets about today.
AIDS Alive 2001 Annual Appeal
Dear Friends, November marks the 8th Anniversary of our first Educational Program given to Notre Dame Academy in Villanova where our five daughters attended. We would like to congratulate Notre Dame Academy for having the wisdom to understand the proportions and danger of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and to realize the need to educate their students on AIDS Awareness and Prevention so they can make informed choices. HIV asks only one thing of those it attacks: “Are you Human?” (Mary Fischer). The Face HIV/AIDS wears is the face of a person who is the most important person in someone else’s life. 1,600 children are infected with HIV everyday worldwide. Every hour of every day one American under the age of 22 is infected with the HIV virus. By the year 2010, it is estimated that the number of infants and children under the age of 15, who have lost their mother or both parents to AIDS, will reach 40 million. “Children are our hope for the future. But we are the hope for theirs.” (author unknown) You have been so kind to us in so many ways and we are grateful. We continue to need your help and support to educate HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention to end this devastating disease. AIDS Alive thanks you for allowing us to encourage the strong, embrace the weak and cradle the dying. May God bless you and your families during the Holiday season. Love, The Gillin Family
America has changed since September 11th. We are constantly aware of the gift of family and friends. For those of you who have lost a sibling, parent, friend or child, you know that the pain of separation runs very deep.
1084 East Lancaster Ave. Rosemont, PA 19010 610-519-9600 610-526-9630 (fax) email: aidsalive@aidsalive.org www.aidsalive.org
AIDS Awareness Program
Through our AIDS Awareness and Prevention Program, we have made hundreds of presentations to thousands of students, parents, and educators in private, parochial and public schools, and community organizations throughout the tri-state area, as well as Baltimore and Washington, D.C. We have several presentations scheduled for this fall. To arrange a talk at your school, parish or organization, contact: Kathy Campbell at 610-519-9600.
Thank You!
Academy of Notre Dame Yasemin Agatan Agnes Irwin School William and Patricia Angelos Annuciation BVM Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ashman Christa Badger Baldwin School Anchille Barone Kristin Battaglini Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Bernicker Mr. and Mrs. Albert Breuers Margaret Brundage Bryn Mawr Trust Cable Positive Mr. and Mrs. Clem Calabrese Calcutta House Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick Campbell, III Tom Cancelmo Richard Carlin Robert Coen Mr. and Mrs. Coffey Comcast The Connelly Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cooley Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Corcoran Mr. and Mrs. Crochiere Don Dailey Beth Devine Fred DiBona Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dooner Thomas Drummond First Republic Bancorp Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Flynn Peg Flynn Mr. and Mrs. Don Gayhardt / Dollar Financial Group Giles & Ransome, Inc. Leslie and Steve Gillin / MBNA Mark Gillin Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Gillin Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hackenberg Regina Haley Pakradooni / Finnaren & Haley Paints Mr. and Mrs. Michael Haney Hayden Real Estate Interschool Council of Lower Merion Mary Ellen Jones James Kane The Keleher Family Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kent Keystone Mercy Health System Larry Kovnat Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Lang The Legnini Family Melissa Linder Little Flower High School Mr. and Mrs. Larry Mayer McConaghy Funeral Home Daniel McCormick McHugh Associates Bill McKernan Mr. and Mrs. Eustace Mita Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Moran Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Morgan Mr. and Mrs. Ted Moser Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Nichols David Noble Brian O’Neill and Family / The O’Neill Properties Mr. & Mrs. Frank O’Neill / Prayer Power Michael O’Neill and Family / Preferred Real Estate Pro Vision Productions The Quinn Family Mrs. Raymond Rafferty Reebok Retail Division Mr. and Mrs. Ted Reimel Roller Consulting Co., Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Rooney Rosehil Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Willard Rouse Anthony Rufo, Sr. Thomas Ryan Margaret Semanko Sherlund Family Foundation Shipley School SILOAM Ministries Sisters of St. Francis Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Smith St. Andrew Home and School St. Eleanor School St. Joseph’s Prep Kenneth Storck Tal Technologies Andrew Talone United Way of SEPA Visiting Nurse Association Jeffrey Weiss Mariellen Whelan Dr. and Mrs. Alan Wofsey Mr. and Mrs. Alex Wolfington Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wolfington Mr. and Mrs. J. Eustace Wolfington Mr. Guy Wolfington Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wolfington Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wolfington Mr. and Mrs. Vince Wolfington WPVI-TV 6/ ABC David and Sybil Yurman
Wish List
COORDINATORS Volunteer Coordinator Web Page Coordinator Program Journal/Ad Book Coordinator Grant Writers* Help to raise funds* Volunteers Staff Salaries* Color Printer* Two rolling adjustable office chairs Camera* VCR Lap Top Microsoft Office Software Easel & Flip Chart Portable Cooler Hoops for Hope Banner Office Needs: White No. 10 envelopes, copying paper, zip diskettes, post-it notes, laser labels (2”x4”)
*Urgent Needs
You can support AIDS Alive by designating us in your United Way contribution. Donor #6357.