AFAN makes giving quite easy

Written by Theresa Mayet

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. 2009 marked our 25^th anniversary of practicing our unyielding commitment to the community by providing unparalleled health expertise, support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. Over the years, we have created various programs that offer consistent and comprehensive assistance including direct client service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs and community outreach. As part of the mission of AFAN, these client service programs assist in enhancing the physical health and psychosocial wellness of the individuals they serve, while promoting dignity and improving the quality of their lives.

We have some creative new ways for you to get involved and support our mission in the HIV community of Southern Nevada. During these tough economic times, our agency— like many—is encouraged to be more creative in our fundraising efforts. So, we are asking the community to adopt a Piggy! They may be adopted by completing a form online at www.afanlv.org or in the AFAN offices (701 Shadow Ln., Ste. 170). Adopted piggy banks may be picked up at the AFAN office or can be shipped anywhere by mail. The five-inch ceramic banks are each personalized with a birth certificate—just put the Piggy in a visible place (they love attention). Fatten them up with coins (they love paper money too), and on World AIDS Day, December 1, bring them back with a full tummy. All money raised will benefit those affected with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. AFAN understands that by keeping AIDS issues in the forefront during AIDS awareness events such as World AIDS Day, the global community can continue to work together to combat the disease and its effects. World AIDS Day started in 1988 and has since been observed every year on December 1. The day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV/AIDS affects millions of people and impacts humanity on a global scale. World AIDS Day is an effort to link countries together to increase education and eradicate the fatal disease.

Once a month we also plan to host a Pig Out at a local restaurant. Simply bring your Piggy by to be emptied out and get a discount coupon for the restaurant. We will keep track of the funds turned in so your Piggy gets credit and may be a Top Piggy—the top five donors will be listed on our website. We will also have orphan Piggies on hand and available for adoption.

Discounted tickets to our annual Black & White Party are also available at all Pig Out locations! The Black & White Party is going to be held back inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on August 21, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Regular tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. This year our co-hosts will be the very energetic Mary Murphy from So You Think You Can Dance and our very own Chris Saldaña from Channel 8 News. As always, we will have sample tastings from some of Las Vegas’ premier restaurants and spirit vendors, plus lots of music and great entertainment.

Some things that are happening later this year include: A Night of Cabaret that will be held in October and our Kids Holiday Toy Drive in December. We will be announcing this year’s Night of Cabaret info later this month. For the toy drive, gift cards are always a great way to donate any dollar amount to support buying gifts for children ages 0-15 so they can all receive something during the holidays. Our largest fundraiser, AIDS Walk Las Vegas, is held in April and our Camp Courage for kids ages 6-15 is during the month of July. Donations can be made online or by stopping by our office. All donations are tax deductible.

Together we make a difference! •

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