| Wall of Honor
Dear Friends,
My name is Evelyn and for nearly nine years I have been a
volunteer and Friends for Life donor at GMHC. One of the best
decisions in my life was to become a volunteer at GMHC. My son,
Arnold Rowan, died of AIDS nine years ago. It is for him,
in memory, and for the 1 in 6 HIV-positive men, women and
families who rely on the vital services GMHC's provides that
I volunteer two days a week every week. I feel very fortunate
working with such fine men and women, both clients and staff at
GMHC. GMHC is a volunteer driven organization that relies
on the nearly 1,000 volunteers to help the agency maintain
the high quality of care and service.
On a wall in the ninth floor corridor lives the Wall of Honor,
a wall of smoked glass bricks. I like to think of it as the WALL
OF CELEBRATION. When I purchased one of these bricks in loving
memory of my son, it was in celebration of his life. The guidance
and support he received at GMHC enabled him to cope with the
complexities of the disease.
The bricks on the wall to celebrate people who are
dynamic, unwavering leaders of GMHC, such as the esteemed
former executive director, Ana Oliveira. And of course, her
estimable colleague, Lars Jahns is celebrated on the wall
as well. In addition to their very generous contributions
throughout the year, several business corporations have
purchased bricks and have given their logo and
name. I invite you to see for yourself on the 9th
floor of GMHC's building along with a personal tour for
the entire facility.
We are all affected by HIV/AIDS. Someone you know may
have come to GMHC for a nutritious lunch and to socialize
with others. Perhaps a lady you know attended the women and
family programs? Do you have a friend or a relative who had
a landlord-tenant problem, or a discrimination issue, and
needed legal assistance? Did your acquaintances avail
themselves of the various resources at GMHC? How wonderful
it would be to purchase a brick with their name on it!
I trust that this letter has motivated you to please
come visit GMHC for a tour, see the WALL OF CELEBRATION,
and join me in remembering our friends and family lost to
HIV/AIDS or honor a Hero in the fight. I urge you to renew
your annual support and purchase a brick adjacent to my son
for someone you love, a close friend, your business, or
someone you lost.
For more information on the Wall of Honor visit us
at 119 West 24th Street or by calling on Brian Schumann
at 212.367.1176 or brians@gmhc.org to arrange a tour.
Thank you,
Evelyn Britt
P.S. In the 25th year of AIDS gifts of $5,000 or more will
receive a complementary brick on the Wall of Honor so that you
may honor your own Heroes.
© 2007 Gay Men's Health Crisis |