Because of your support of friends and family like you over the past two years, I have been able to raise more than $6,000 for the National AIDS Memorial through my participation in AIDS Walk San Francisco.

This year I am proud that my husband, Rafael, joins me in this important work, and we have set a fundraisign goal of $5,000. Please consider making a gift to help us reach this goal today.

Since a I arrived in San Francisco 20 years ago, the National AIDS Memorial Grove has been one of my favorite places in The City. Shortly after my arrival in San Francisco I had my first experience in the Grove was with a small group of guys who expressed themselves through an artform called Flagging. The moment I arrived in the space I could feel what a magical and sacred place it was, and I knew that moving to San Francisco was the right choice for me.

Twenty years later I have accumulated many amazing memories with those guys and we still share special moments at Flagging in the Park events. And what's even more exciting is now I am able to share this special place with my husband, Rafael where we will create many more special moments in the future.

Our San Francico experience is full and vibrant in part because of our connection with the National AIDS Memorial Grove. To honor this connection, I had the honor of adding my name to the Circle of Friends with hundreds of others who have invested to protect the future of the grove.

Below are some remarkable highlights and accomplishments of the Grove in 2017:

Flagging in the Park and Special Events
The National AIDS Memorial Grove is a dedicated space in the national landscape where millions of Americans touched directly or indirectly by AIDS can gather to heal, hope, and remember. Its mission is to provide, in perpetuity, a place of remembrance so that the lives of people who died from AIDS are not forgotten and the story is known by future generations. Event take place all year long including the world-famous Flagging in the Park, memorials, picnics, fundraisers, performances, weddings, and other important life events.

Hemophilia Circle
The Grove honoring the lives lost within the hemophilia community to HIV/AIDS with the installation of the Hemophilia Memorial Circle, at long last providing a dedicated space for members of this diverse community, their family and friends to remember and heal. Before there was a test for HIV, 90% of the severe hemophilia community was infected with HIV from blood products contaminated by the virus. This community was largely ignored by the government and the pharmaceutical industry.
aidsmemorial.org/hemophilia-memorial

BTW, there’s a great documentary on the neglect of the hemophilia community, called Bad Blood:
youtube.com/watch?v=C5W56h8bqUA

World AIDS Day Hosts President Bill Clinton

On World AIDS Day, The Grove hosted President Bill Clinton, who reminded us that the arc of justice bends but we must continue to work together to bend it. Read more:
aidsmemorial.org/events/world-aids-day-national-observance

Surviving Voices Documentary
The Grove’s Surviving Voices Video Project documented the unique and compelling stories of 19 women who stepped forward as activists, caregivers, doctors and nurses to transform lives.
aidsmemorial.org/namg-news/surviving-voices-hemophilia-community-aids

Community Volunteer Workday Program
Surpassses 200,000 Volunteer Hours
In 2017, the Grove’s model Community Volunteer Workday program surpassed 200,000 volunteer hours. The beauty of the memorial would not be what it is today were it not for the full-hearted work of thousands of dedicated individuals each year.
aidsmemorial.org/volunteer/2018-community-volunteer-workdays

Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship Program Awards $50,000 To Ten Recipients
The Grove awarded $50,000 in college scholarships to ten amazing young leaders through the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship program. Over the last seven years this program has given over $200,000 to young people who are committed to making a profound difference in their communities.
aidsmemorial.org/namg-news/pedro-zamora-young-leaders-scholarship

These highlights are just a snapshot of the work being accomplished by the Grove’s legion of volunteers and small team of four talented and dedicated staff members. Since its founding the National AIDS Memorial has not sought government support and relies on the generousity of it's donors to support its mission. We ask for your help in supporting this valuable organization. You can contribute by visiting the link below.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

P Tyrone and Rafael