Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Bay Area Reporter - November 2, 2000
Katie Szymanski
It's hard to believe ALRP is in its 18th year, protecting the rights of people who face discrimination, disability, housing, and other HIV-related legal issues since 1983. The San Francisco nonprofit was one of the first organized responses to the AIDS epidemic, and has since coordinated the work of 1,333 volunteer attorneys who have donated their time and expertise to over 30,000 Bay Area residents with HIV/AIDS.
"We have a panel of attorneys that takes cases and provides free or low-cost services to our clients," Bill Hirsh, ALRP's executive director, explained. "We estimate that these attorneys donate over a million dollars worth of services annually."
To honor these volunteers, ALRP will present various awards at its anniversary reception on Thursday, November 9 at the J.J. Brookings Gallery, and even if you don't have one of the aforementioned invitations, the public is welcome to attend.
The event will be emceed by our comedian-in-office, Board of Supervisors President Tom Ammiano. Among the volunteers to be honored are Gail Dekreon, who will receive the Clint Hockenberry Award for longtime service; Harold Kahn, who will be recognized as Volunteer of the Year; the Van Loben Sels Foundation, which will receive the Movers and Shakers Award; and Positive Resource Center, which will be given the Community Service Award. The evening will include cocktails and a silent auction.
Admission to the event is $50 per person, $500 to join the advocates circle, and $1500 to be a sponsor. While volunteers remain an important part of the organization, ALRP's full-time staff relies on fundraising in order to continue their work. Within the past two years, for example, two staff attorneys specializing in housing rights were added to ALRP's payroll to fill a growing need that the volunteer base cannot handle alone.
"Housing, we find, is a very pressing issue for people with HIV and AIDS," said Hirsh.
Proceeds from the anniversary reception will go toward ensuring ALRP's continued work.
ALRP's November 9 reception takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. and the gallery is located at 669 Mission Street (at Third) in San Francisco. For tickets or for more information, call (415) 701-1100, ext. 308.
001102
BR001104
Copyright © 2000 - The Bay Area Reporter. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the The Bay Area Reporter.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2000. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .