U.S. Senator Russ Feingold accepting award for service to those living with HIV/AIDS in Wisconsin: Video
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin receiving the Friends of AIDS Network (FAN) Award from AIDS Network Executive Director Karen Dotson at Red Ribbon Affair 2010, April 16.
Governor Doyle signed into law, Assembly Bill 659 (2010 Wisconsin Act 209) on April 21 which changes Wisconsin laws on HIV testing and consent. In the photo AIDS Network Executive Director Karen Dotson and Director of Prevention Services Jenny Shafer along with the bill's author, Representative Jennifer Shilling.
Ending BIG
The last Camp Bingo of the season is at The Edgewater on Sunday, March 28. Someone will win the rollover jackpot-$1,500! We'll also give away three $250 cash jackpots and prizes totaling over $2,800-for some enchanted afternoon! Carl Agnelly joins Cass Marie for South Pacific Bingo. We expect to see a lot of tropical attire, sailor garb and Bloody Marys (besides those sold at the bar). As always, there will be prizes for the best costume and a 50-50 raffle (in January and February the winner went home with well-over $600). Camp Bingo is calling you, "come to me, here am I, come to me." Sponsored by Smart Dental.
Buy Tickets and Supplies on the Official Camp Bingo Website:
In advance, online (credit or debit card) $19; At the door (cash or check only) $20
It's The Morning Show Bingo
Camp Bingo returns this Sunday, February 28 for a special edition of The Morning Show with WMTV co-anchors Sarah Carlson and Christine Bellport joining Camp Bingo hostess Cass Marie. Camp Bingo is held at The Edgewater and presented by Smart Dental.
The rollover jackpot is up to $1,000! Other prizes include three $250 cash jackpots and prizes for best costumes plus a 50-50 raffle. We expect to see a lot of blonds and bingo players in their PJs. The fun begins with a trivia game and contestants will need to watch the Friday edition of The Morning Show to win.
The Edgewater is located at 666 Wisconsin Avenue. Food and beverages are available for purchase and the hotel provides free indoor parking. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the first number will be called at 2:30 p.m. You must be 18 years or older to attend. For more information or to purchase tickets visit the official Camp Bingo website: www.madcampbingo.org. Camp Bingo is a fundraiser for AIDS Network. Join our Camp Bingo Group on Facebook.
A Special Dinner Benefiting AIDS Network
March 4, 2010
6 p.m.
The Goodman Community Center, Evjue Community Room
149 Waubesa Street
Reception with canapés followed by a three-course family style meal showcasing some of the finest local ingredients Wisconsin has to offer prepared by L'Etoile Chef/Owner Tory Miller
$35 (pay at the door)
Proceeds will be donated to the AIDS Network
Please RSVP to Bryan Weinstein by February 28, 2010:
GoodmanAIDSbenefit@gmail.com
(516) 398-3299
Milmaids Returns to Madison April 10
Milmaids Mission Statement:
Milmaids is a charitable benefit bowling tournament that was started in 1985 in response to the AIDS crisis. This annual tournament alternates between Madison and Milwaukee with all proceeds going to AIDS organizations in the host city.
This year's beneficiary will be Madison's AIDS Network. This benefit tournament will raise funds to be used exclusively for direct client services.
Organized by a board of volunteer directors, and subsidized entirely by donations, this tournament is in no way affiliated with any business, or particular organization other than AIDS Network.
Too often we lose sight of the real reason we support benefits like MILMAIDS. We are all here to help those persons living with AIDS who are truly in need. No other consideration can be more important than that!
Register online here.
Camp Bingo Returns for a 5th Season.
The game where no straight line wins returns to The Edgewater on Sunday, January 31 with B.H.S. (Bingo High School). NBC15 anchors Leigh Mills and Chris Papst join Camp Bingo's resident "Diva of the Balls," Cass Marie for this fund-raiser that benefits AIDS Network. Everyone 18 years or older is welcome. Price of admission is $19 in advance (purchased on the bingo website: www.madcampbingo.org) or $20 at the door. Price of admission includes seven games of bingo (six cards for each game), great prizes, giveaways, entertainment and lots of laughs. There is also a popular 50-50 raffle and trivia game before we start the balls rolling.
"We expect to see a lot of prom queens, football heroes and teachers' pets at our first Camp Bingo of the new season," said AIDS Network Development Director Dan Curd. Participants are encouraged to dress up appropriate to the theme with prizes awarded for best costume. "As always, we're expecting a capacity crowd on Sunday." This year's prizes are bigger than ever with three $250-cash jackpots, a $500-roll-over jackpot, plus a lot of other great prizes totaling over $1,800 in value. All of the prizes are donated and the proceeds from Camp Bingo go to the HIV/AIDS services AIDS Network provides in 13 counties in southern Wisconsin.
Smart Dental is the presenting sponsor for Camp Bingo. The Edgewater is located at 666 Wisconsin Avenue. Food and beverages are available for purchase and the hotel provides free indoor parking. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the first number will be called at 2:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit the official Camp Bingo website
Charity of the Month
During January and February, the Old Fashioned has designated AIDS Network as their Charity of the Month. Go and enjoy their "Shake of the Day" (every day or purchase a meat raffle tickets at brunch on Saturday and Sunday and all proceeds go to AIDS Network. We are grateful to have the continued support of our good friends at the Old Fashioned!
Bingo Rolls On!
Camp Bingo returns for Season 5! This much anticipated event has become bigger and more popular each year. Last year's three fundraisers for AIDS Network drew capacity crowds. All of the prizes we give away are donated by local businesses and the proceeds go directly to providing quality services for our clients.
On the last Sunday in January, February and March-January 31, February 28 and March 28-we will return to The Edgewater for seven games of bingo, entertainment and fun. This year the prizes will be bigger and better than ever and we have a new presenting sponsor, Smart Dental. Each bingo has its own theme and people are encouraged dress up accordingly (we also give out prizes for the best costumes). Cass Marie Domino returns as our resident Diva of the Balls. January will be "B.H.S." (Bingo High School) with WMTV's Leigh Mills and Chris Papst as Celebrity Ball Callers. We hope to see a lot of cheerleaders, football heroes and prom queens! February will be very special-"The Morning Show Bingo" with WMTV's Christine Bellport and Sarah Carlson Joining Cass as our Celebrity Ball Callers for an all blond bingo. We'll rap up another season in March with "South Pacific Bingo" and a wacky adventure in paradise. Carl Agnelly will be our Celebrity Ball Caller.
You can buy your tickets in advance (including a season pass for all three games), plus bingo supplies on the official Camp Bingo Website: www.madcampbingo.org. For the latest bingo news, become a member of our Camp Bingo Group on Facebook.
Thanks to our friends at the Shamrock and to all those who donated to the Felicia Melton-Smyth Holiday Gift Drive this year!
World AIDS Day 2009
Our sincere appreciation to all those who attended our Volunteer Award Ceremony and Memorial Service at First Congregational Church on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2009. A special thank you to all our volunteers who we depend upon to help carry out our mission; and to Eldonna Hazan and Wayne Shannon for conducting the remembrance service. Photos from both events on Facebook can be view by clicking on this link.
The Fall/Winter 2009 issue of The Guardian
Our latest newsletter is out. You can read it and past issues by clicking on the link to the left.
Making the Holiday Happier
AIDS Network will begin distributing holiday food baskets on Tuesday, November 24. The food packages include everything needed for a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner-from turkey and all the trimmings to pumpkin pie. The basket will go to low income families affected by HIV/AIDS living in our community. Recently the nonprofit agency opened a food pantry which made this effort possible.
"We've been extremely pleased with our new food pantry and its popularity among our clients. It definitely is filling a need in the community," said Karen Dotson, AIDS Network Executive Director. "We were grateful that we could do something special for the Thanksgiving holiday." Dotson says almost 50 households who would otherwise not be able to afford a holiday dinner will benefit from this food gift.
Annual Volunteer Awards
Each year during World AIDS Week (November 30 - December 6), AIDS Network honors all our volunteers and recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding contribution to our mission. This year's awards presentation ceremony will be on December 1-World AIDS Day-at First Congregational Church in Madison. The event begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Our annual Memorial Service follows at approximately 7:30 p.m. (More information about this year's Memorial Service will be posted on the Red Candle page.)
This year's honorees are:
Outstanding Outreach and Prevention Co-Volunteer of the Year
Molly Jansen
Outstanding Outreach and Prevention Co-Volunteer of the Year
Diane Sanders
Outstanding Client Services Volunteer of the Year
Chris Schaefer
Outstanding Special Events Volunteer of the Year
Amy Walden
Outstanding Office Support Volunteer of the Year
Anna Jonas
Business Leadership Award
Dino Maniaci and Woof's
Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award
Frank Distributors
Outstanding Media Partner Award
Patrick Farabaugh and Our Lives
President's Award
Knupp & Watson
Executive Director's Award
Representative Mark Pocan
Volunteer Attorney of the Year
Christopher Krimmer
Volunteer of the Year
Marcus Ortelee
Volunteer Organization of the Year
Edgewood College Community Scholars
AIDS Network Board President Ellen Berz and Board Member Michael Bruno are both profiled in the December Issue of Our Lives magazine
Fright Night Benefit
The Shamrock Bar will host a benefit Friday, October 30, at 10:30 p.m. to kickoff this year's Felicia Melton-Smyth Holiday Gift Drive. For the seventh year, AIDS Network and the Shamrock Bar will collaborate to make the holiday season happier for children, families and persons living with HIV/AIDS in South Central Wisconsin. The gift drive is named in honor of its founder, the late Felicia Melton-Smyth, a longtime friend of AIDS Network
Come dressed in your favorite Felicia-inspired costume! Entertainment will include special performances by Josie Lynn, Cass Marie Domino and S Susie S.
Last year over 70 families and almost 200 individuals received toys, clothing, food and other basic needs from the Felicia Melton-Smyth Holiday Gift Drive.
Become a Fan of the Shamrock Bar on Facebook
Fright Night Event on Facebook
Executive Director Karen Dotson in "They Had A Very Good Year" in the November, Madison Magazine.
"The Advocate ... Karen Dotson
While many nonprofits struggled, the twenty-four-year-old AIDS Network has been thriving in the recession. July's ACT Ride raised $303,000 versus $295,000 in 2008, and the annual Red Ribbon Affair raised the same amount as the year before. AN opened a food pantry in August and reeled in a grant from the state to open a dental clinic next spring. It's all to maintain a strong involvement with those living with HIV/AIDS, says executive director Dotson"
Thanks to the Business Alliance, Plan B and everyone who donated cleaning products to the AIDS Network Food Pantry at the Meet and Greet, October 20.
Our Latest Annual Report (2008) Is Now Available
Dia Nacional Latino Para La Concientizacion del SIDA / National Latino AIDS Awareness Day 2009
El 15 de octubre es el Día Nacional Latino para la Concientización del SIDA (NLAAD)
En honor al Día Nacional Latino para la Concientización del SIDA, AIDS Network ofrecerá pruebas de VIH el Sábado, 17 de Octubre de 10AM a 2PM en La Movida Services, localizado en el 1823 South Park Street en Madison, Wisconsin. Pruebas ofrecidas serán completamente gratuitas, y confidenciales. Para mayor información por favor llame al (608) 252-6540, extensión 32.
As part of our contribution to this year's commemoration of NLAAD 2009 AIDS Network will be providing FREE anonymous and confidential rapid testing at La Movida Services, 1823 South Park Street in Madison, on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For the third year in a row, AIDS Network has teamed up with La Movida services in order to provide outreach, education, and testing services to the Spanish-speaking community. Also, new this year we have teamed up with Laredo's who will be donating free snacks for those in attendance of the NLAAD event.
Please spread the word that United We Can Stop HIV and Prevent AIDS. Knowledge is Power. Know the Facts. Get Tested!
AIDS Network Annual Board Meeting
November 10, 6:30 p.m. at the Goodman Community Center, Room Bolz A
Business Alliance Meet & Greet to Benefit AIDS Network
The theme of the monthly Business Alliance Meet & Great is "Beat the Cold" and will be at Plan B on Tuesday, October 20, 5:30 - 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and there is no charge but you are asked to "BYOS"- Bring Your Own Soap-a donation of detergent of cleaning supplies for the AIDS Network food pantry. For more information or to RSVP please click here.
Executive Director Karen Dotson featured in the current issue of Black Women 50+
Local story with Karen Dotson, AIDS Network Executive Director on HIV vaccine trial (Story with Video)
FAQs Regadring the RV144 Phase III HIV Vaccine Trial (PDF)
Blades Against AIDS returns October 10
This is a benefit for AIDS Network hosted by Madison Gay Hockey Association for the third year. It takes place at the Hartmeyer Ice Arena, 1834 Commercial Avenue, 7 until 9 p.m. Price of admission includes open skating, skate rental, music, food and plenty of on-ice fun with the players of the MGHA. $15.00 ages 16 and older; $10.00 ages 10-15; $5.00 under 10 and students with i.d. Go to Facebook Event Page.
"Food pantry lends a hand to people with AIDS" - article in the September 18, Capital Times here.
AIDS Network Development Director Dan Curd and Executive Director Karen Dotson with U.W. Chancellor Biddy Martin at the O.P.E.N. luncheon held at the Madison Club on September 14, 2009.
"AIDS Network Opens Food Pantry in Madison" - article in the Captial Times
AIDS Network Opens Food Pantry
In order to better meet the special nutritional needs of its clients, AIDS Network has opened a food pantry. The agency with offices in Madison, Beloit and Janesville is the state designated AIDS service provider for 13 counties in South Central Wisconsin.
"Up until a few years ago, AIDS Network operated its own food pantry, but stopped when we were able to satisfy the needs of our clients using other resources in the community," said AIDS Network Executive Director Karen Dotson. "Unfortunately, much has changed in the past year or so and we realized that the only way we could properly serve our clients, most of whom live well below the poverty level, was to once again have our own food pantry."
The food pantry is open is open every Wednesday, excluding the first Wednesday of the month exclusively to HIV+ clients. Participants in the program must be living under 300% of the federal poverty level. They also must register and are encouraged to meet with the agency's nutritionist for a nutritional assessment in order to maximum the benefit of this program.
"We're really happy to announce this new enhancement, one of several planned in the coming months," said Karen Dotson. She estimates that approximately 200 will be served by this program. Additionally, AIDS Network partners with Caritis in Rock County, providing a similar service for clients there. Other options will be available for those living in other areas.
Karen Doston is featured in the September issue of UMOJA magazine.
ASANA World Series 2009: Showdown in Madison
AIDS Network is proud to be a sponsor of this national event, the annual ASANA World Series 2009. "Showdown in Madison", September 1 - 5. We welcome all the players and fans! A complete schedule of games and events can be found here.
Excecutive Director Karen Dotson is featured in the September issue of Brava magazine.
Madison Nonprofit Day, August 21, 2009
Article in the current issue of the The Madison Times is here.
Free Testing August 15 and 16
AIDS Network prevention staff will be at Wisconsin Capitol Pride, Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison.
Confidential and Free HIV Testing will be available between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Madison and Dane County Public Health will also offer Syphilis Testing at the same time; and on Saturday only, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations.
AIDS Network prevention staff will be at the Latino Health Fair on Saturday, August 15, Oregon Sports and Fitness Club, 155 Braun Road, Oregon.
Confidential and Free HIV Testing will be available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Here are links to more ACT 7 photos on Facebook:
ACT 7 Opening Ceremonies photos by Dan Curd
ACT 7 Riders, Crew & Volunteers photos by Jason Schneeberger
ACT 7 Day 4 photos by Dan Curd
and to see a lot more photos go here (photos by Larry Palm and others)
We want to congratulate and thank all the ACT 7 riders, crew and volunteers for a job well done. This year they presented the agency with a check for $300,260--the most ever raised for a single ride. The seven ACT rides to date have raised almost $2 million for AIDS Network. We greatly appreciate all of you who donated to riders and crew in this year's Wisconsin AIDS Ride. On behalf of our clients, we thank you.
First-time ACT rider gives back after life's obstacles: WKOW Video
Madison resident thankful for AIDS Network, current health: WKOW Story
Photos from ACT 7 Opening Ceremonies
are on Facebook, for a link click here.
MILE ONE: ACT 7 OPENING CEREMONIES
The beginning of an amazing journey, August 6, 7 a.m. at Olin Park. Show your suppor by making a pledge to a rider or crew member by going here.
Survey Opportunity: Employment and HIV
Dr. Liza Conyers from Penn State University is conducting a research in collaboration with the National Working Positive Coalition on the training and employment needs of people with HIV/AIDS.
To volunteer for this confidential study, visit:
https://www.surveymk.com/an (or, in Spanish: https://www.surveymk.com/ans)
You must have HIV/AIDS and be at least 18 to participate. Deadline is August 24.
Paper surveys are also available or if you have questions, please Contact Liza Conyers at 866 363-0015 or LMC11@psu.edu. Thank you!
Support the Riders and Crew!
ACT 7, the Wisconsin AIDS Ride, August 6 - 9 is less than 3 weeks away. Make a donation to a rider or crew member on the ACT 7 webhsite.
The Spring/Summer 2009 issue of The Guardian
Our latest newsletter is out. You can read it and past issues by clicking on the link to the left.
Board Member Eldonna Hazen in the Capital Times
Common Sense on Needle Exchange
Every 9-1/2 Minutes Someone in the U.S. Is Infected with HIV/AIDS.
Congratulations to Jeanne Marshall!
Jeanne Marshall is the 2009 OutReach Ally of the Year. This award goes to a person that does not identify as LGBT, and has shown substantial private and public support for LGBT people and causes, during the past year or over the course of their life. Ms. Marshall has a long and proud resume on behalf of the LGBT community, including an extensive role in the AIDS Network ACT Ride, Proud Theater, OutReach, First Congregational United Church of Christ, and AIDS Memorial Quilt Project.
Go to the ACT 7 Website
Obama Admininistration Moves to Reverse Ban on HIV+ Individuals Entering U.S.
From Human Rights Campaign: "The official word has come down from the Administration that the regulations repealing the ban on HIV positive individuals entering the country will be published in the Federal Registry tomorrow. That will start the 45 day public comment period, followed by HHS implementing the policy into law."
The National HIV/AIDS Atlas provides a powerful new tool to the public, health care professionals, policy makers and elected officials to access and map local, state and national data in order to see how HIV/AIDS is impacting their community.
Congratulations to Kevin Kesterson who won the drawing for completing the Red Ribbon Affair 2009 survey. Kevin receives a $25 gift card courtesy of Frida's Mexican Grill/The Icon/Zander's Sports Bar.
AIDS Network Prevention Department meets with a public health delegation from Ukraine on June 25. They're here to gain first-hand experience about the prevention and care for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) in the U.S.
Take Control of Your Health: Get Tested
Saturday, June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV as part of their routine healthcare. Testing at least once a year is recommended for people at high risk of the virus, such as gay and bisexual men (MSM), injection drug users, or people with multiple sexual partners.
AIDS Network with offices in Madison, Janesville and Beloit provides confidential free testing all year long. Office testing in Madison is available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 2-4:30 p.m. and on Wednesday 2-6:30 p.m.; in Beloit and Janesville, Tuesday and Friday 2-4:30 p.m.; and in Sauk County (Good Neighbor Clinic, Prairie du Sac) the second Thursday of each month. Or, enter your zip code here to find the testing site closest to you.
The goal of National HIV Testing Day is to promote awareness about HIV infection and encourage voluntary testing. While HIV infection occurs less frequently in Wisconsin, every day someone in our state becomes infected. To date, over 10,400 persons have been reported as infected with the virus and over 6,700 are currently living with HIV.
After a significant decline in the 1990s, HIV infection among MSM has increased 36% between 2000 and 2008. Most of this population is under 30 years of age. HIV infection in Wisconsin continues to disproportionately impact minority communities with the infection rate in 2008 being 11 times greater for African Americans and five times greater for Latinos as compared with whites.
It is important to learn your HIV status and that of your partners because studies show when people find out they are living with HIV, they take steps to protect their health and that of their partners. Once you learn your status, if you find out you do have HIV infection, you can seek medical care that can reduce the impact of HIV on your health, substantially increase your lifespan, and improve your quality of life.
AIDS Network, established in 1985 is the state-designated AIDS service organization for 13 counties in South Central Wisconsin. In addition to offering HIV testing and HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) testing, the agency provides comprehensive case management and support services as well as outreach and prevention.
