Why I Walk: Jenn Klotz

Why I walk...

The first meeting I attended at the CAP office was full of CAPstaff, interns, volunteers and corporate sponsor representatives likemyself. I sat back in awe as I heard the planning and preparations andsincere desire to get people involved from ALL walks of life. I thought,wow, this is something I can get behind. I learned about the impact ofAIDS right here in Oregon. I learned about the programs and outreach,education and support that Cascade AIDS Project provides to thecommunity. And I didn't want to get involved just because it was my"job" but because I live here. Because I have two teenage sonsand want them to be educated on the risks. Because I have a friend who hasAIDS, and I want him to live. Because I work for a company that createsmedicines for unmet medical needs, and I want to be a part of finding asolution to this disease.

So why do I walk? I walk for my kids. I walk for myfriend. I walk for a better future. Want to join me?

Why I Walk: Drew Picard

Why I walk...

Through the years that I have been a part of this community, I have met many amazing people that have unfortunately become infected with HIV. My views of this disease are very personal and I have seen what effects it has on people in all stages
of being diagnosed with it, learning about it, and living with it. Yet, these people have shown me that life is too short, and that we cannot let things
get us down or get in our way of living the life we wish to live.

It is for these people that I walk and strongly support AIDS Walk and CAP. It is a way of showing them how much I have learned from them and how to keep living a life that is full of love, happiness, and friendships.I pay honor to the people close to me with HIV/AIDS and to all the positive people worldwide.

Why I Walk: Michael Sebring

Why I walk...

To support my friends affected by this stigmatized disease and help find a cure! I walk for my friends: Steve, John, Chris and Jeremy

The walk is important to me because I want people affected by this disease to know they are loved, have a chance at a quality life and to bring awareness to others that this disease affects all walks of life.

I have been walking for over 10 yrs.

I spread the word through donating money each year for the walk, sponsoring CAP at work so I could get them a grant, I am the Regional Chair for our Employee Resource Group at work for LGBT issues and support CAP through all its fund raising events, I have partnered with Michael Sorenson to find models for fund raisers and I have introduced several experts in the field of non-profits to help CAP find philanthropy and financial solutions as well as banking benefits to the employees of CAP.

Most of all, CAP provides support in so many ways to those affected by this terrible disease. I am so impressed by the abilities, caring and vision of Cascade AIDS Project and will continue to do all I can to support this great organization.

Why I Walk: Haydenn Harper

Why I walk...

In 2008, the Center for disease Control and Prevention reported that 48 percent of all people living with HIV/AIDS were African American, 53 percent of all deaths related to the virus were from African Americans, men who have sex with men account for 51% of all new HIV infections every year and 45 percent of people living with HIV are men who have sex with men. As a gay black man, I feel it is my responsibility to educate others and raise awareness around this issue for my peers and loved ones. The AIDS Walk is a great way for everyone to not only raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Portland community, but to educate themselves and other people on HIV/AIDS related issues.

I walk for Queer People of Color. Our stories are rarely ever told and when they are, our voices aren't always listened to. I walk for this community because it is a community that needs to be there for each other. We cannot be silenced and we cannot be ignorant. Education and unity is critical to our community because without it we won't have the support we need from each other and can become more prone to the HIV/AIDS virus than we already are.

HIV/AIDS affects the two communities I identify with directly. The virus has affected the African American and Queer communities more than any other population in the country. The walk is important to me because it raises awareness of the virus which will help prevent more infections, gathers more community support for people living with HIV/AIDS so they know they are not alone in the battle, and it raises funds to prevent the spread of the virus and hopefully bring us closer to a day in which it will no longer exist.

This will be my first time walking and I am honored to be a part of the movement.

I tell everyone who is close to me about it. Friends, family, classmates and colleagues. I spread the word in every way I can and know I am not alone in that effort.

Why I Walk: Greg Bear

Why I walk...

I walk to help keep a local "public face" on AIDS, here in the Pacific NW communities. In this day and age of instant messaging, and sound bites, I believe people tend to forget that the disease is still happening around them.

I believe that since people are now living with AIDS, and not dying of AIDS in numbers that once existed, that we tend to forget that it still kills people from all walks of life. A walk brings the community together to congregate with like-minded people, to laugh, cry, and share with those people. And then to show Unity in the walk, to show others and remind them that AIDS does still affect us within our community.  This disease is not something that just happens elsewhere; it is happening here around us.

I walk for the memory of those who can no longer walk because of this disease. I also walk for those who are ill, and living their lives in spite of AIDS. I walk with others who also might have AIDS, who walk in Unity, who walk to put a public face on AIDS.

I walk for those I've known who fell to the disease. There are so many who have died of AIDS that I am sorry to say I can no longer even remember many of their names. I can still see them, when I think of them, but can't remember them all. To name a few, would be Randy 'RADAR' Burdick, Chester Ester Hoffman, Bernie Sanford, Gene Males, Steve Shumate, RB Hyiatt 'Won Ton Desire', China, Peacock, Tree, and many others.

Part of the reason the walk is important to me is a gathering of community spirit. Gathering of survivors, whether of the disease itself or those left behind, to carry on for those who have passed before us. I am hoping that within my lifetime AIDS is cured--but that these walks will still carry on, in memory of those who have died. And a celebration of life, maybe, for what could have been. To celebrate the legacy of the community after AIDS.

I have been around for all 25 years of walks, but I worked at several gay bars, the first couple of walks, and celebrated with many of the participants, on both sides of the bar. I didn't start walking until the 3rd year, and then I walked the next 3 or 4 years. Then about every 5 years or so. This will be the 1st walk in some time, as my health was an issue for some years. Now I am in better health, and am looking forwards to showing my support once again.

I am a native Oregonian; I've lived in and around the Portland area since the early 1970's. I have been well known as a longtime former bartender, local gay newspaper columnist, videographer, and local gay archivist. I have many Facebook friends, ISRC contacts, and friends in the Bear community and Drag community. I am social network savvy. Also, I am gifted (cursed?) with gab.

Because of health considerations, I don't get out much, but I do a lot of social networking, mostly on FB, and that's how I gather support and raise awareness.

save

Why I Walk: Kevin Cook

Why I walk...

I walk because I can; I feel like it’s my duty to walk for all who cannot.

While I lost many close personal friends whom I keep in my heart and mind, especially on AIDS Walk day, I walk for those who had no one during their final days, whose friends and families turned their backs on them. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, I witnessed a lot of that--and surely there were many whom I never met or knew very well, but who deserve nonetheless to be remembered.

When our Community first was hit and we started losing friends and loved ones, the Drag Community jumped right in and began raising funds and awareness. To date, sadly, I can list over 100 drag performers who we have lost, among those my closets and dearest friends who created and shaped the entertainer I have become. Most of what I do these days in my “career” is dedicated to them--being a successful full-time drag performer and emcee is possible because of their guidance and inspiration. The many times Poison Waters has emceed the AIDS Walk has been my “toast” to these “ladies”.

I walk for my ”sisters” Misty, Rosey and Lady Elaine Peacock.
I walk for those we’ve lost who had no friends and family.
I walk because it’s the very least I can do for those who cannot.

I love the sense of Community the Walk provides. When I was a teen I wanted to do ANYTHING I could to help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and show support for my Community. The Walk allows everyone to participate through this very simple act of joining. No matter a person's age or financial situation, everyone can be a part of this very important Community event.

While I’m sure I’ve been walking since the early 90’s, I know this will be my 11th consecutive year on the Camp Starlight Team! My birthday is September 17 and I always get most of my donations around that time. I send messages and reminders to my friends and family via e-mail, Facebook and texting, asking for donations to AIDS Walk instead of birthday gifts.

Why I Walk: Drew Picard

Why I walk...

I walk for those that cannot, plain and simple. It's a somewhat cliche and cheesy response, I know; however, I feel as though it is one that is never expressed enough.

This ailment has affected so many people and it will be years before we touch the lives of everyone that it has changed. Our participation, yours as well as mine, shows the world how much we care and that we are not going to just stand by while it takes another life. Just as with the other obstacles we face through out our lives, this battle will be won with massive involvement. This world has yet to see what we are all capable of, if we just stand up together for what we believe in and the people we care about.

So, I walk to show even just one more person that I am here to make a difference--one step at a time!

I have many friends that are affected by HIV/AIDS and whose lives have changed because of it. Yet, I see strength in all of them. Never once have any of them stopped living. I walk for all of my friends, in their name and for my own.

This walk is important to me, for it shows that we are willing to band together and fight for the truth, and for our beliefs. We get our chance to show that we are a force to be reckoned with and that we will fight long and strong for everyone that needs our help.

This will be my second year actually walking, but third year in participation. I have enjoyed playing many roles and lending a hand when ever I can. It's been a blast so far this year, and it's only going to get better!

It's hard to find a person that is not already informed or knowledgeable about the walk or what we do. Still, I spread the word and try to get people involved any way I can. Working at my bar provides a steady influx of customers that are willing to help with donations and even volunteer to walk. It is truly awesome to see the city organize and band together to show support. Way to go Rose City!

Using the Power of Video

Walkers are gearing up for the Walk, recruiting team members and raising funds. Here are two videos that have been put together by Walkers to do just that:


Marc Kochanski asks viewers: Help Me Make It



Andrew Shayde wants you to join The Ultimate Alliance


How about you--have you come with a fun, original way to recruit and fundraise for AIDS Walk Portland 2011?

Daren Parks: Why I Walk

Why I walk...

I walk because I believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from pain and suffering. I walk for my dear friend Louie, his family and his friends. We will never forget him.

The walk has always been a very important part of my life because I am gay. In the early 90’s I was approached by one of our Health Club Members inquiring if I would be his Personal Trainer. He told me that if anyone could help save his life, it was me. He said that I inspired him.

In speaking with him about his needs and goals, he informed me that he had been recently diagnosed with AIDS. He feared that he did not have long to live. I asked him how he had heard about me and he said that he had been observing me train clients for over 6 months and finally worked up the courage to speak to me.

He told me that he was embarrassed to tell someone he had AIDS and that he was terrified that I would judge him and refuse to train him. He had been turned down by 3 other fitness professionals. I began crying and assured him that his search was over.

I trained Louie for over a year and a half before he lost his battle with the disease. Our time together was much more than Personal Training. There were times that I trained him at home because he was too physically weak to get to the gym. I remember holding water for him so he could drink because he didn’t have any strength to hold the glass. I remember getting blankets for him to stop him from shivering. And there were times that I held him while he cried himself to sleep. I wanted him to know that he was loved.

Ironically, at the end of it all, it was his will to live and bravery that inspired me.

I began walking in the mid 80’s in Albuquerque, New Mexico by organizing a team, speaking at the event and leading the warm-up. I continued my involvement with the walk in Phoenix, Arizona and in Denver, Colorado. In all cities, I was instrumental in ensuring that our Health Club was a major sponsor and promoter for the event. Our Club served as a platform for meetings and kick-off parties.

I communicate my passion for the walk through work, social media, email, volunteer time and by giving back to the community.

We all have an opportunity to make the world a better place. The decision you make to help others must we done with diligence, commitment, passion and be relentless! It must come from the heart and be unselfish. There is always something you can do.

Andrew Shayde: Why I Walk

Why I walk...

I walk because Americans still die of AIDS. This is my 2^nd Walk.

I was born in June 1981, the exact month that CDC released its first official statement about AIDS. I have never known a world without HIV/AIDS and I think people have grown complacent about the subject. Up to 80% of those living with HIV/AIDS are still gay/bi men and I want to walk to educate so that my friends don’t add to this statistic. I want to change the tide on this disease and lead the way to a decrease in infections by reminding people that HIV still lives here.

I walk for ‘Mo’ my first friend that I lost to AIDS. I went to his funeral where they said he passed of cancer because saying the word AIDS was apparently too controversial. I thought, people keep getting sick because we can’t say the word AIDS out loud.

Because, in America, up to 18,000 people still die of AIDS each year. More than 279,000 gay and bi men have been lost to the virus.

I am the Team Leader for The Ultimate Alliance: Superheroes for HIV. We are raising funds and dressing as our favorite Superheroes in the attempts to gain more attention back on the important topic of HIV/AIDS in Portland and to create a fun energy to help decrease the stigma placed on the words HIV/AIDS.

I work in HIV testing and counseling and I would LOVE to put myself out of a job by playing my role to help eradicate this disease. I’d rather flip burgers all day in a world without HIV.

Dale Hottle: Why I Walk

Why I walk...

My story began 13 years ago as a boy, raised in a conservative home and barely out to himself. A good friend disclosed to me that he had recently tested HIV positive. I was shell-shocked, frozen. I only knew HIV/AIDS as a death sentence--and one that only “wrongdoers” could be afflicted with. My own fear and ignorance were my shield and my sword that night, and they cut me from my friend. I silently turned my back on him and walked away. I will forever regret that moment.

I started volunteering with the Colorado AIDS Project a year later--and when I moved, I continued, volunteering with the Utah AIDS Foundation and then Cascade AIDS Project. My motto became “if I can reach out and make a difference to one person then everything is worth it.” I wanted to raise awareness and hopefully prevent someone from shunning another the way that I had in my ignorance. That friendship--a person to laugh, cry and smile with--can make a big difference to someone living with HIV/AIDS, a lesson that I learned well over time.

I tested positive three years ago and it fractured my life. While I had advocated ending the stigma to others, I still harbored it within myself. This great hypocrisy could have destroyed me--and nearly did. I resorted to drinking and shoved my friends away, isolating myself; I was so fearful that others might shun me that I alienated them from myself first.

Then, two strangers that I had only recently met became my guardian angels. They helped me turn my life back around, so that I could see past the disease to a life beyond. I was fortunate enough to receive the gift of understanding that I had once denied my friend. I can only be hopeful that he and others will be as lucky as I was.

So why do I walk? Well, the short answer is selfish: to find a cure and end the stigma that surrounds the disease.

But the long answer is that I walk for a cure to end this pandemic. I walk to educate others so that they may protect themselves and be accepting when someone else imparts their status. I walk to say thank you to the guardian angels that have provided aid and support for me and so many others through our darkest hours. Finally, I walk for Aric, the friend that started this journey; he changed my life in more ways than he will ever realize.

Upcoming Events from and in support of CAP

Underwear Fashion Show and Auction
The Church of the Poison Mind at Silverado is offering an opportunity to "worship" early during beer bust—all in an effort to raise money for Cascade AIDS Project's testing and prevention programs.

Here's the deal: April 3^rd, from 4PM to 6PM, 15 models will strut down the runway in 15 different pairs of underwear. You can enjoy the drink specials while you bid for the underwear they are wearing. There is no cover charge to get in.

Models will be both familiar and new, as we have some who have never walked the Silverado Stage before and others who are Silverado favorites.

So join the Church of the Poison Mind on April 3rd and help raise donations (and a glass) to CAP!

Coming up on Saturday, April 16^th is the 11^th Annual Red Dress Party, starting at 8PM. This year, proceeds from ticket sales will be donated in part to CAP’s Pivot.

The party will be taking place at 535 NW 10th Ave (cross street is Hoyt Street). VIP admission will be at 8pm, and general admission at 9pm.

Tickets are available by cash or check at Funny Bone (617 SW Washington, 503-241-0455) and Starky’s (2913 SE Stark, 503-230-7980), or online at www.reddresspdx.com.

Follow the party on facebook!

CAP Art Auction; Honoring 25 Years: 1985-2010

Saturday, April 30, 2011
6:00PM – Patron Event Begins ($250 per ticket)
8:00PM – Grand Event Begins ($100 per ticket)

This year, the Memorial Coliseum at the Rose Quarter in NE Portland will host this special event. The spacious concourse of the coliseum, flanked by glass walls looking out at downtown Portland, provides the perfect space for the Grand Event and its silent Auction, while the seated Patron Dinner for over 600 individuals takes place in the Bowl of the Coliseum.

On Saturday, April 30, 2011, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) will host the Annual Art Auction as we honor the organization’s 25th anniversary since incorporating.

Over the past 22 years, this iconic event has brought over 1,000 artists, galleries, patrons, and community leaders together each year with the goal of raising much-needed funds for the essential programs and services CAP provides.  Considered by many to be one of Portland’s keystone fundraisers, this event was created by the local arts community in 1989 to raise funds in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  The Grand Event ($100/person) includes a salon-style silent auction of 280 artworks along with sweets and savories provided by 20 of Portland’s best food purveyors.  The Patron Dinner ($250/person) includes attendance at the Grand Event plus special entertainment, a gourmet meal, and an exclusive live auction featuring 15 of the most outstanding artworks donated by prominent artists.

All funds raised support the vital work of Cascade AIDS Project. Our mission is to prevent new HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma.

For more information or to RSVP, please visit the Art Auction website.

Portland LGBTQ Expo
April 29 - May 1, 2011
Portland LGBTQ Expo
$0.50 of every ticket purchased will benefit CAP!

The Portland LGBTQ Expo is a new opportunity for LGBTQ-positive companies to reach out and interact with the community. It will feature hundreds of businesses with products and services in all areas of business including: Travel, Fashion, Fitness, Health, Autos, Home Improvement, Jewelry, Art, Entertainment, Legal, Real Estate, Food & Beverage, Retirement, Education, Home Office, Electronics, Personal Services, and much more!

In addition to the wonderful exhibitors, the Portland LGBTQ Expo will also be featuring other activities:

• Speakers & Seminars
• Wine, Beer, & Spirits Lounge
• Fashion Show
• Music, Entertainment, & more

IRON MARY!

The competition starts May 3rd at 7PM at Hamburger Mary’s, 19 NW 5th Avenue, and will run for 13 weeks. Cascade AIDS Project will be a beneficiary. Read on for more info or go to the Facebook Event page.

From Hamburger Mary:
"I can’t believe it has already been five months since I opened my doors in Portland. Now this is not my first time to visit the beautiful Rose City. As you may already know I have a history with P-town that stretches back to the '80s and into the '90s, and I loved every minute of it. Some even go on to say that my home was a Portland institution. Well that’s what I aim to make it again. It has been a fabulous journey thus far and ... I just love all the warm welcomes. It is my goal to serve great food and drink in a warm, welcoming, safe, and friendly environment. It is my passion to help those striving to make a difference in the community. This is why I encourage you to read more as I introduce to you our new annual competition, called the 'Iron Mary.'

Now sweet pea I assure you this is no ordinary competition where someone bedazzles a burger with glamorous toppings and wins a prize at one fell swoop. This is a competition riddled with challenges meant to test one’s capacity to turn ordinary food into something legendary while reaching out to the community. I have teamed up with Cascade AIDS Project, who has sprinkled this competition with challenges meant to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic, which affects us all. These challenges sure look fun for all involved, let me tell you!!

This year's Iron Mary will receive a cash prize of $2,000.00, and I will feature the winning burger on my menu for a year. Fifty cents of every Iron Mary burger sold within said year will be donated to CAP. This will be a fun competition for all, and I truly look forward to my amazing future with Portland.

If you are still interested in participating here’s what you need to know. Hamburger Mary’s and Cascade AIDS Project will begin searching for the challengers on April 15, 2011 and end the search on April 29, 2011. Challengers will be asked to submit a forty-five (45) second video. Please introduce yourself while cooking your favorite dish and telling us, 'the viewers,' why you should be the next Iron Mary. It will be necessary for you to submit your video via www.facebook.com/pdxmarys or to pdx@hamburgermarys.com no later than 11:59pm April 12, 2011. Any videos submitted after deadline will not be reviewed. Hamburger Mary’s will upload each video to Youtube.com. The twelve challengers will be selected based on the number of views their application video receives."

Support CAP for the Holidays!

Wanna support Cascade AIDS Project this holiday season? Here are some great ways you can!

Willamette Week's Holiday Give Guide
As usual, Willamette Week has released its Give Guide, a great way for you to support local organizations. You can give in the name of another person or in your own name. Donors who give more than $50 get some pretty swanky prizes, along with the knowledge that they are helping our community do good work for those that need it most! Read more about the non-profits in the Give Guide here and go here to donate.

Wrap Up at Red Star
Through December 26th, bring your presents to Red Star Tavern any Saturday or Sunday from 12-3 pm, and CAP's lovely staff and volunteers will wrap them for you! For a $5 donation, you can get your gifts wrapped and support the work we do. Enjoy some food or a drink in the warmth of Red Star, while we take care of the hassle of wrapping. The flier is here.

Styx Guitar Auction
Know someone who loves guitars? We are auctioning off a Squier Fender electric guitar autographed by all six members of the band Styx! The guitar comes with a certificate of authenticity and a promotional poster for the Styx+REO Speedwagon performance at the Memorial Coliseum on March 30th, 2002. The eBay auction is here--there are only 32 hours left, so hurry!

Legendary Ladies of Country
The Fox & Hounds' 3rd Anniversary Show & Country Dinner is sure to be a hit, with cocktails & dinner at 6 pm. There will be Country Dinner specials, drink specials, and raffle prize giveaways. The show starts at 7 pm. Attendees are asked to bring a can or two of non-perishable food to donate to Esther's Pantry, and proceeds from the night benefit Cascade AIDS Project, House of Dreams and Family Dogs New Life Shelter. The flier is here.

Scandals Giving Tree and LAVISH
December 9th at 9 pm and December 16th at 7 pm, come on down to Scandals for The Giving Tree, hosted by the gorgeous Miss Mylar! Buy a ticket for $2 to pull an ornament from the tree or buy 6 tickets for $5 for to pull 6 ornaments from the tree. Each ornament will have the words 'grab bag' or the name of a sponsor on it, and you win the corresponding prize!
Join us on New Year's Eve (December 31st) for LAVISH! Doors open at 7 pm, and the party will go until 2 in the morning. It's $10 for general admission or $50 for the VIP treatment, with a hosted bar and hors d'oeuvres. There will also be an auction, and ticket sales support CAP!
Both of these fantabulous events are benefits for Camp Starlight and CAP's Youth and Family Services—thanks, Scandals!

Unfortunate Trend: Decline in Media Coverage of HIV-AIDS

On December 3rd, Businessweek ran the following story: Dramatic Decline Seen in AIDS News Coverage

According to the study that prompted the article, "Media coverage of HIV/AIDS fell more than 70 percent in developed countries over the last two decades, [most notably] in American and French newspapers[...]" the article goes on to note that "[while] media coverage of HIV/AIDS has decreased in some nations, coverage has remained at a high level or increased in areas hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic, such as South Africa."

As is the case with many of the important issues facing us today, this disease is a daily reality for millions around the world, yet it is being largely ignored by those who could do the most good. In 2009, it was estimated that as many as 35 million people world-wide were infected with HIV/AIDS.

This is not something that will go away if we ignore. 1 in 5 people infected with HIV is unaware of their status. Every 9.5 minutes, another person in the United States is infected with the virus. We need to stand together to keep each other safe and healthy.

President Obama recently released a national strategy to combat HIV/AIDS in our communities. The Oregon legislature recently mandated that human sexuality education in schools must be medically accurate, age appropriate and comprehensive, teaching youth how to be safe if they are sexually active. We are taking steps to stop the spread of the virus, but we have more to take. One of those is to remember that this is not an issue we can let fall by the wayside. Awareness is necessary to end the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, to increase access to medical care for all those infected or at-risk of infection, and to prevent the spread of the virus. Perhaps someday we will even find a cure--but not if we stop looking.

"The vast majority of HIV/AIDS research occurs in the developed nations, so the apparent lack of interest in those countries may harm efforts to find ways to fight the spreading AIDS pandemic in developing nations, the researchers said."

 We all need to be leaders in this. Many people look at the lack of reporting and take it to mean that instances of infection are declining; they aren't. They should be, and we can ensure that they do by educating ourselves and each other on the facts, practicing safe sex and getting tested.

CAP Employees in Just Out!

Two of our amazing employees are in this week's Just Out:

First, go to page 13 to the NW News: In Brief; there you'll read about Eowyn Wood's second novel being picked as a finalist for the National Best Books 2010 Award. (You can also read about that here online--scroll down.)

Then, on page 19 you can discover more about Michael Anderson-Nathe's experience being part of the "only gay Jewish-Vietnamese adoptive family in Portland." (That one can be found here online--again, scroll-down.)