Portland, OR. April 29th, 2013. Glen Gilbert has been named the new Executive Director of Cascade AIDS Project (CAP). He will officially begin his role on May 1, 2013. Gilbert brings 18 years of experience in nonprofit management to his new position. Gilbert said, “I am thrilled to be joining CAP. There has never been a more optimistic and hopeful time to be part of the HIV/AIDS movement. This war is not over but it is winnable.
After 30 years, we can finally envision a reality in which HIV and AIDS are no longer part of our daily lives, but only part of our history.”
Prior to joining CAP, Gilbert served as Executive Director of the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation. In that role, he helped double revenues in three years, led a successful capital campaign, increased the agency’s endowment to $5 million, and successfully lobbied for legislation enabling used eyeglass distribution in Oregon. Gilbert has also served as a nonprofit management and executive transitions consultant to the Museum of Contemporary Craft and METRO; President and CEO of the Cascadia Region Green Building Council; President and CEO of the World Forestry Center and Museum; and Executive Director of the Berkeley Public Library Foundation. Gilbert lives in Portland with his wife Tori and children Marina and Matthew. He has been profiled in The Oregonian and The Seattle Times, and his writing has been published in The Boston Globe, and The San Francisco Examiner.
About Cascade AIDS Project Incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma. With a staff of 61, and a volunteer corps including nearly 800 individuals providing more than 29,000 hours of service each year, CAP manages a diverse array of programs and an annual budget of $6.1 million. Fifteen percent of CAP’s staff live with HIV, 25% identify from communities of color, and 30% are bilingual. Our programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities impacted by HIV, from community-specific
Portland, November 15th. After 15 years of bringing joy, support, and just plain fun to hundreds of HIV/AIDS-affected and –infected children, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) announced that Camp Starlight is now an official program within the agency’s Housing and Support Services department.
Though housed at CAP since 2007, Camp Starlight was not fully incorporated into CAP programs until October 2012. This integration gives CAP full administrative, programming and financial oversight for Camp, including recruiting volunteers, raising the money needed to fund the effort, and collaborating with organizations to make sure HIV-impacted families throughout Oregon and SW Washington are aware of the opportunity to send their children to the free, week-long Camp on the Oregon Coast. The Camp Starlight Commission will serve as the Camp Planning Committee offering invaluable insight, volunteer support in planning and implementing the camper experience, assisting in fund raising activities and keeping Camp successful.
Though integrated with the Kids’ Connection program, cash and in-kind gifts specifically designated for Camp Starlight will be applied solely to Camp Starlight expenses.
“With so much to celebrate, 2013 is going to be an absolutely incredible year for kids who are affected by HIV/AIDS,” said Kristin Kane, CAP’s Director of Housing and Support Services.
Incorporating Camp fully into CAP has another advantage: Camp Starlight and Kids’ Connection can be even more closely coordinated. Kids who are affected by HIV will not only benefit from a fun week away at Camp, but they’ll have the opportunity to get year-round support and stay connected to each other, to our volunteers, and to CAP staff.
“The integration of camp with Kids’ Connection only makes sense. Many of the kids are served by both programs,” said Kevin Cook, aka Poison Waters, of the former Commission and Current Advisory Committee. “This creates a powerful opportunity to support the campers year round. I’ve been involved for 13 years and look forward to continuing on the committee, raising funds and donating while encouraging others to volunteer and donate as well.”
To solidify the transition, in January 2013 CAP staff and the former Camp Commission, now the Camp Advisory Committee, will hold a retreat to review volunteer positions, Camp policies, and map out next steps for the next Camp Starlight, which will be held in August 2013. Also, details about volunteering for Camp will be posted on CAP’s volunteer resources page of our website next year.
Information submitted by Michael Sorensen | Director of Development Cascade AIDS Project
Portland, September 23rd. Cascade AIDS Project’s Board of Directors is celebrating a new fundraising record for AIDS Walk Portland of $525,000; the amount was $75,000 over CAP’s goal. CAP will use the funds to support HIV testing, community education and services for families and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. (Photo credit, Marty Davis)
Team “Positive Force NW” kicked-off the Walk. Some 150 HIV-Positive walkers wore red shirts as out and positive community members, out to combat the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Kaplan and Sasser are among them.
Organizers estimate over 10,000 walkers joined in the fight against HIV/AIDS during this year’s walk.
A view from above the Square as 10,000 walkers gather.
Elected Officials took turns addressing the crowd including: Gov. John Kitzhaber, Mayor Sam Adams, Sean Sasser & Michael Kaplan (ED of CAP), Robert Goman of Nike, County Chair Jeff Cogen
In addition to breaking the half-million mark, AIDS Walk Portland drew a record number of elected officials. Congresswoman Susanne Bonamici addressed a crowd of VIP walkers and sponsors during an exclusive breakfast at Departure atop The Nines Hotel. Governor John Kitzhaber’s comments tied together the important work of health reform in Oregon with the goal of ending the HIV epidemic. He also recognized the vaccine research being conducted at Oregon Health and Sciences University.
Mayor Sam Adams praised the leadership of Michael Kaplan and the CAP Board. Other elected officials showing support included: Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen; State Senators Ginny Burdick and Jackie Dingfelder; State Representatives Alissa Keny-Guyer and Mary Nolan; Portland City Commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz; and Multnomah County Commissioners Judy Shiprack, Loretta Smith & Diane McKeel.
Words on the T-Shirt express hopes for a future without HIV.
Team Kimpton Hotel brought bedroom class with their signature animal print robes and a team of about 15 walkers representing Hotel Monaco, Vintage Plaza and Riverplace.
A sea of people walking through The Pearl for AIDS Walk Portland, with Portland Gay Men’s Chorus wearing their signature purple shirts. (Photo courtesy of PGMC)
CAP Executive Director, Michael Kaplan, recently announced his decision to accept the position of President and CEO of AIDS United, a national nonprofit headquartered in Washington, DC. An organization committed to ending the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. Michael’s last day at CAP will be November 15, 2012.
“CAP’s Board of Directors couldn’t be more excited about the outcome of this year’s walk,” said Jackie Yerby, Board Chair. “With the announcement last week of Michael’s departure and on the heels of a very successful AIDS Walk Portland, the Board feels well-positioned to guide CAP through the next transition as we begin an Executive Search. CAP is a very strong organization. We have a top-notch team of Directors as well as a group of staff and volunteers who are deeply committed to CAP’s mission.”
More than 7,000 people are living with HIV in Oregon, 20% of whom don’t know they are HIV positive. AIDS Walk Portland raises critical funds to support those living with the virus and those at risk of infection. Knowing your status and having access to healthcare are the two most important factors related to one’s sexual health, next to practicing safe sex (using a condom).
From CAP:
Absent a cure for HIV, prevention and education are our best strategies for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Here at CAP we recognize that everybody, no matter who they are, can gain the information and skills to keep themselves and their communities safe. We work with individuals, couples, families, communities, policy makers, schools, the media and more to ensure that everyone has access to the resources we all need to prevent the spread of HIV.
Portland, August 8th. The Beach Boy grabbed Marilyn’s wig and ran! It was all part of Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) and Peacock Productions first ever Bat ‘n Rouge softball tournament featuring drag queens, music, and general hilarity at Lillis-Albina Park. The benefit raised $10,600 to send HIV infected and affected kids to Camp Starlight and build scholarships for the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund.
Portland’s legendary Entertainer, Darcelle threw out the first pitch.
The Queen of Drag, Darcelle XV, added, “How could the Queen of Portland not be at an event like this? It marries all the things I love: Camp Starlight, LGBT Youth and Higher Education, drag performance, and hot men. I’m delighted to attend the first Bat ‘n Rouge event.”
The Ambiguously Gay Super Heroes (with tights and capes) were the winners of the event!
The exhibition tournament featured a team of drag queens, each dressed as Marilyn Monroe, as well as a three other archetypal LGBT groups, including: Beach Boys (yes, men in speedos); Ambiguously Gay Super Heroes (with tights and capes); Construction Lesbians (with hard hats and caution vests). Photo credit, Roger.
2nd Place went to The Marilyn Monroes (Drag Queens) who took the field in heels! (Photo credit, Roger)
The benefit softball game attracted spectators of all ages. (Photo Credit, Garbero Photography)
There was a tie for third place between The Construction Lesbians and The Beach Boys!
Portland’s own local comedians, Whitney Streed and Xander Deveaux, offered color commentary while CC Slaughter’s resident DJ, DJ Slutsky spinned tunes.
The Cascade AIDS Project annual AIDS Walk Portland is coming up on Sunday, September 23rd.
About Cascade AIDS Project Incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma. With a staff of 50, and a volunteer corps that includes over 700 individuals providing more than 21,000 hours of service each year, CAP manages a diverse array of programs and an annual budget of $4.6 million. Fifteen percent of CAP’s staff are individuals living with HIV, 25% identify from communities of color, and 30% are bilingual. Our programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities impacted by HIV, from community-specific programs focused on teens, Latinos, the gay community, individuals and families living with HIV, to the thousands of individuals throughout the state who seek education though our AIDS/STD hotline each year. A committed 18-member volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure CAP accomplishes its mission and continues to operate with integrity and transparency. www.cascadeaids.org. About Peacock Productions, Inc.
Established in 1999, Peacock Productions, Inc. (PPI) is a 501c3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to enhance the quality of life of members and allies of the LGBTQ community by offering entertainment, providing scholarships, and networking to celebrate diversity and build equality. PPI administers the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund which was founded by Lady Elaine Peacock and Misty Waters, in honor of their Mother in 1988. To date, the AME Fund has granted more than $182,000 to LGBT students and/or the students of LGBT parents throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. To find out more about Peacock Productions, Inc., visit www.peacockafterdark.com.
Seattle to Portland, July 14th. Fifteen cyclists peddled 204 miles over two days to raise $25,587 for the Cascade AIDS Project.Ride4CAP is in its 2nd year of raising funds and its first year as a supported cycling team.
“CAP has been looking to add another way folks can get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Michael Kaplan, CAP’s Executive Director and an HIV-positive man. “Portlanders are known for their penchant for cycling, and this allows us to enter the foray of rides as a first effort and eventually create our own ride. We want to ensure on this ride that all know CAP is here to help with testing and linkage to care. Everyone has a status, everyone needs to know theirs. Funds raised here will help us to help others.”
Laura Bancroft refueled for the ride.
The sign says it all!
Riders included: William Patton, David Duncan, William Motter, Laura Bancroft, Benjamin Gerritz, Joseph Sedillo, Jackie Yerby, Sarah Freeman, Robert Lusk, Maje Anderson, Charli Krause, Edwin Kietzman, and Luis Torres.
At no other time has there been more hope for ending the HIV epidemic than today. Funds are the major barrier to making the disease a thing of the past. As reported on National Public Radio on July 12, 2012, the May 2011 National Institutes of Health (NIH) study suggests there is hope for an end to HIV’s spread if people (1) know their HIV status by getting tested regularly, and (2) access care if diagnosed positive. The study is available here: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2011/Pages/HPTN052.aspx.
“I believe it is my duty to ride,” said Benjamin Gerritz, avid cyclist and an HIV-positive man. “I love to ride; I have been blessed with good health because of the excellent medical care I receive and the life I have chosen to live. I am honored to ride with my fellow Ride4CAPers.”
Sponsors for the team included Nike,Central Drug and KINK FM. The team used the Cascade Bicycle Club’s ride as their vehicle for spreading the message of HIV/AIDS prevention and stigma reduction as well as a fund raising tool. The ride started at the University of Washington Campus in Seattle, ended its first day, July 14th, in Chehalis, Washington and picked up on the 15th to end at Holladay Park in Northeast Portland.
About Cascade AIDS Project Incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma. With a staff of more than 50, and a volunteer corps that includes over 700 individuals providing more than 29,000 hours of service each year, CAP manages a diverse array of programs and an annual budget of $4.9 million. Fifteen percent of CAP’s staff are individuals living with HIV, 25% identify from communities of color, and 30% are bilingual. Our programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities impacted by HIV, from community-specific programs focused on teens, Latinos, the gay community, individuals and families living with HIV, to the thousands of individuals throughout the state who seek education though our AIDS/STD hotline each year. A committed 16-member volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and oversight to ensure CAP accomplishes its mission and continues to operate with integrity and transparency. www.cascadeaids.org.
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