AIDS Emergency Fund: 25 Years, 25 Million Dollars

 

The AIDS Emergency Fund (AEF) will mark its 25th anniversary with a night of dinner, dancing and divas at the San Francisco Marriott. The event coincides with the longtime AIDS organization's milestone of granting $25 million in emergency financial assistance to people with HIV/AIDS.

The fund began in 1982 where co-founders gathered to discuss what they could do to help those living with the newly-identified disease. Today, AEF operates on a budget of around $1.5 million, about $800,000 of which comes from fundraising events. About 90 percent of AEF’s clients live on between $700 and $900 a month. Clients most often need help paying rent, utility bills, trips home, and funeral expenses.

AEF plans to commemorate its anniversary with the dinner and dancing featuring a 1980s-style disco theme at the Marriott, Fifth and Mission streets in downtown San Francisco. Comedian Bruce Vilanch is the guest MC, along with Donna Sachet and Sharon McKnight. The event concludes with a retro 80's Dance party which will be kicked off by a 20 minute set from dance chart superstar, Kristine W.There will also be a silent auction, with many items, including a cruise for two to Alaska donated by RSVP Vacations.

Executive Director Mike Smith said he hopes to bring in $150,000 from the anniversary event. One hundred percent of what AEF raises in donations always go to a separate account for clients. All overhead is paid for by corporate and government money.

The anniversary gala takes place Saturday, July 21, from 6:30-10 p.m. Tickets are $195 per person. For more info call (415) 558-6999, ext. 3, or visit http://www.aidsemergencyfund.org.