Bay Area Reporter - June 17, 2004
Matthew S. Bajko

Created by donor Craig Schlossberg, the agency's "Bushwhacked" challenge grant will double every dollar an individual or business give Stop AIDS up to $25,000. One of the first people to meet the challenge was Evertz, who donated $100 to the agency.

IN a statement faced to the Bay Area Reporter Tuesday, June 15 Evertz said he decided to make a contribution to the agency due to the matching gift from "a very generous donor." As for the title "Bushwhacked," Evertz said, "I do not endorse the name of the fundraising appeal but applaud Stop AIDS for reaching to the private sector in the wake of receiving news that federal dollars would not be forthcoming."

He encouraged others to also donate to Stop AIDS.

"I urge others who agree that this organization is doing good work to reach into their pockets and to contribute as well," said Evertz in his statement.

Evertz served as the director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy from April 2001 until July 2002 when he was transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services to become a special assistant to Secretary Tommy Thompson on global HIV/AIDS initiatives.

In an interview with the BAR in January 2002, Evertz defended the administration's audits of AIDS agencies, including Stop AIDS, saying at the time, "We need to take a look to see if these programs are working or not." After visiting the agency, he told reporters, "I was left with the conclusion that they probably should be left alone."

Six months later Evertz, the first openly gay person nominated to an executive branch office by a Republican president, was removed from his post. At odds with a White House dominated by social conservatives, Evertz's removal from the AIDS czar position reportedly came after conservatives and religious right advocates complained that he was promoting a "gay agenda" and not sufficiently advocating for abstinence-only policies.

Evertz is reportedly disappointed with the president over his endorsement of the Federal Marriage Amendment but has said he is still supporting him in his re-election bid, according to published reports.

Stop AIDS intends to use the Bushwhacked funds to continue its popular workshops and forums that came under fire from conservatives in Washington, such as "Great Sex"; "Flirt, Date and Score"; and "Booty Call." The CDC found all of the workshops to be scientifically sound and effective in reducing HIV infections during its audits of the agency.

"Individual donations are essential in creating new, innovative directions for HIV prevention," said Darlene Weide, executive director of Stop AIDS, in a statement. "The Bushwhacked resources will help create more cutting-edge campaigns than government funds tend to allow."

Last month the agency learned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would no longer directly fund it, and it lost nearly $250,000 in federal funding. The agency was forced to lay off five staff members.

Since word of the CDC cuts has spread, the community has stepped forward to help Stop AIDS raise money. SF Leather Daddies and Boys are donating proceeds from their annual Father's Day beer bust from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 19 at the Eagle Tavern, 398 12th Street. Stop AIDS will also be the beneficiary of "Boys to Men," a star-studded red carpet event and world movie premier with models from Bel Ami and Colt Studios from 7 p.m. to midnight on June 24 at Jillian's at the Metreon, 101 4th Street. Hosted by SF Gulch, tickets begin at $50 in advance and can be purchased at either the Castro or Folsom Gulch locations.

Every dollar raised form both events will be doubled through the Bushwhacked campaign. The San Francisco Department of Public Health also informed Stop AIDS that it has raised the agency's funding this year to a little more than $1 million beginning July 1, up from $875,871 in fiscal year 2003. Most of the funding will be used for the organization's multiple HIV prevention efforts designed to help HIV negative people stay negative, while $125,000 will go toward its successful Positive Force program and Plus seminars.

SBC also has donated $10,000 to Positive Force and three other individuals have given gifts totaling $9,000, the agency said. With the additional funds the agency has hired back one full time employee and one part time employee.

"The additional support from the City and community is enabling us to continue having an impact on HIV despite the CDC's cuts to these efforts," said Weide. "We are in a strong position to move forward with City grants laying the foundation and individuals funding new directions."

Email: BARpaper@aol.com Phone: 415-861-5019

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