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Supporter Spotlights
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation depends on private donors and volunteers to help create a future of hope for children and families around the world. We'd like to recognize some outstanding individuals who have gone out of their way to make a difference.
Special thanks to:
The Rikkers FamilyJuly 18, 2008
Jennifer Rikkers and her mother, Judy McCormick, work on a community service project during AIDS Walk Africa 2008 in Swaziland. |
On an unusually overcast day in May, more than 175 people gathered in the Rikkers family backyard in Monroe, Wisconsin, for some fun, music, and games to raise funds for the Foundation and AIDS Walk Africa.
Call it a feeling, a connection, a bond. Call it innate, but call it authentic! Jennifer Rikkers has always felt a kinship with mothers in Africa. Ever since she picked up Self magazine and read about Willow Bay’s participation in AIDS Walk Africa in 2004, she has closely followed news of the Foundation as well as updates to the virtual AIDS Walk journal.
Learning that without proper treatment, there is a 90 percent chance that a child born to an HIV-positive mother will contracting HIV, spurred Rikkers to take action — fundraising for the Foundation and raising awareness about pediatric AIDS in Africa.
In support of the Foundation and its efforts, the Rikkers family event featured a moon bounce play area for the attendees who couldn’t get enough of the face-painting, bubble station, “Africa” craft project, snow cones, seas of balloons, and the amazing Clear Blue Betty band, which played at the event for free!
In addition, the event featured a silent auction of items donated by artists, local businesses, and the Rikkers’ friends, family, and neighbors.
Andrew and Jennifer Rikkers and their children, Judson, 7, Drew, 5, and Jack, 20 months, are avid travelers. Later this year, the Rikkers will be traveling to Ethiopia to bring home their newborn adopted daughter. They have also traveled extensively in Europe and lived in Strasbourg, France, for a time.
Jennifer, along with her mother Judy McCormick, and cousin, Casey Anderson, recently fulfilled their dream of joining the Foundation in Swaziland for AIDS Walk Africa 2008 (read the Virtual Walk).
“This past December, I searched my soul and decided that there weren't any excuses left to stop me from participating in AIDS Walk Africa 2008. I listened to that strong feeling that continued to pull me to this cause and knew it was what I was being called to do,” said Jennifer before embarking on her journey. “I am so happy that I listened, because this experience is giving me so much more in return. My heart is expanding...and really what is better than that for the soul?”
More about the Rikkers’ fundraiser event
Edith and Tom WeltyApril 8, 2008
Tom and Edie with a family in Cameroon. |
After providing nearly 30 years of service as family/public health physicians working both with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) on the Navajo and Northern Plains reservations, most couples would have contemplated a restful retirement. But not Edie and Tom Welty.
Instead, the compassionate couple decided to “retire” by combating the AIDS epidemic abroad — and fulfill their dreams of working in international health in the process. Since retiring in 1997, Tom and Edie have been working with the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board (CBCHB), a health care organization that dedicates itself to providing health care to all who need it. The husband-and-wife team assists by writing grants, purchasing essential supplies and equipment, and helping the team in Cameroon get health care programs up and running.
When CBCHB first asked the couple to work in Cameroon, HIV/AIDS was a seemingly insurmountable problem. Realizing that their best weapon in the battle against this disease was preventing the virus, the Weltys solicited the support of the Foundation. At the urging of colleagues from the CDC and Professor Pius Muffih Tih, Director of Health Services at CBCHB, in late 1999, the Weltys applied for a grant from the Foundation to be used by CBCHB to begin a program geared specifically toward the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
In February 2000, the Foundation granted CBCHB start-up funds that helped establish PMTCT programs in two facilities in Cameroon. “The support provided by the Foundation, the leadership provided by Professor Tih, and the hard work of the entire team in Cameroon have enabled the CBCHB PMTCT Program to succeed beyond our expectations,” said Edie and Tom. Today, thanks to the Weltys’ tireless efforts and the Foundation’s support, CBCHB has trained over 1,000 health care workers and supports PMTCT services in over 370 facilities, which have tested over 300,000 pregnant women for HIV.
Throughout the Weltys’ years of service, the CBCHB has expanded its AIDS Care and Prevention program to include projects in community education, TB control, orphan care, support groups, MTCT programs, and even cervical cancer prevention. In addition to their constant support of all aspects of the CBCHB AIDS Care and Prevention Program and willingness to help whenever their assistance is needed, Tom is currently working with Professor Tih and Dr. Christophe Grundmann, a senior technical officer at the Foundation, as a co-principal investigator on a study of PMTCT effectiveness in Cameroon. Edie is currently collaborating with the Cervical Health Program in Zambia to establish a trans-Africa Women’s Health Program to use digital images to screen for and treat women with cervical pre-cancer.
The work that the Weltys have contributed to CBCHB’s programs in Cameroon and the support that they have provided to the Foundation-funded PMTCT programs has helped save thousands of lives. On April 23, the two plan to return to Cameroon for another six-week stay — making this the fourteenth trip for Edith and the sixteenth for Tom. “Over the past eight years, stigma, discrimination and HIV incidence have decreased, and availability of treatment has increased. HIV is no longer a death sentence. We are blessed to be a part of this effort and will continue to support the program as long as we are able to do so,” said Edie and Tom.
Club PenguinFebruary 1, 2008
 The virtual world is now taking strides to encourage children to help others in the real world. In December 2007, Club Penguin, the popular virtual world for kids, established its first-ever “Coins for Change” program as a way to get children involved in philanthropy.
Designed by The Walt Disney Company for children ages 6 through 14, Club Penguin provides kids with a safe, online environment where they can virtually interact with friends through their personalized penguin avatar. Through the site, players earn coins that allow them to buy clothing and accessories for their avatar through various activities such at chatting with other players, playing games, and sending greeting cards to friends.
Club Penguin creators surveyed players and found that they felt a strong desire to make a change in the world and focused their members’ attention on selected charities that benefit sick kids, the environment, and children in developing nations. The New Horizon Foundation, a partner of the Walt Disney Company, pledged $1 million to be donated to three charities based on the amount of coins donated to each. Players donated coins to the Foundation, the Worldwide Fund for Nature, or Free the Children from December 14 to December 24, 2007. At the end of the donation period, 39.4 percent of more than two billion coins had been given to the Foundation, translating to a $394,000 donation!
Seth WellischJanuary 14. 2008
Seth (center) with his new friends at the Ariel Children's Camp. |
Thirty-two-year-old Seth Wellisch is a family friend of Foundation cofounder Susie Zeegen, so he has always known about — and supported — the Foundation. But when Seth heard about the second annual Ariel Children’s Camp — a week-long Foundation-sponsored camp for HIV-positive children in Uganda that is named after Elizabeth Glaser’s daughter, Ariel — he stepped up his involvement. Seth decided to raise $10,000 for the camp and travel to Uganda himself to serve as a camp counselor.
Seth, a commercial real estate broker from Los Angeles, set up an online fundraising tool with the Foundation’s help and sent an appeal to everyone he knew, including friends, relatives, and business associates. “It must have struck a chord because the response was way bigger than I expected,” said Seth. He smashed his original fundraising goal, compiling a total of $17,000 to help support both the Ariel Children’s Camp and the basic needs of the children who would attend the camp.
But raising the money was just the beginning of Seth’s journey. In December 2007, he packed his bags and made the long flight to Kampala, Uganda for camp. He didn’t know what to expect when he first arrived, but was quickly “adopted” by several campers and found himself coaching fierce soccer matches, playing dominoes, dancing to Ugandan pop songs (the girls politely told him he was “just not much of a dancer”), and developing lasting friendships.
As the week wore on, Seth was shocked to learn of the obstacles faced by children living with HIV in Uganda. Many of the campers have lost their parents and siblings and have difficult home lives. Some don’t have shoes. They were expected to die at an early age and are now living in uncharted territory. “It was heart-breaking to hear the children ask questions like, ‘Will I be able to get married?’ and, ‘Will I be able to have children?’” Seth said.
Despite these sobering realities, Seth left the camp with a sense of hope, knowing that the money he raised and the moral support he provided would help the children to live happier, healthier lives. “I reminded myself that I did do something to make things better,” Seth said. “And that’s worth something.”
Read Seth’s blog about the Ariel Children’s Camp.
Alpha Epsilon Phi
December 13, 2007
At more than 50 universities across the country, members of the Alpha Epsilon Phi National Sorority have been doing their part to support the Foundation and raise awareness about pediatric AIDS through various fundraising activities.
Last spring, the University of Iowa chapter held its third annual silent auction called Jazz on the Rocks. More than 80 guests enjoyed jazz music, cocktails, and desserts — and donated $2,500 to the Foundation in the process.
The Ohio State University chapter recently held an event called Say Cheese. The sorority sisters made and sold grilled cheese sandwiches and raised more than $500 for the Foundation.
On October 23, 2007, the Boston University chapter held a charity denim event, in which jeans donated by various companies were sold on campus at discount prices. The sisters not only raised money, they raised awareness. “Monetary donations are not the most important part of charity events,” said chapter president Sara Shein. “We try to get people who are outside the Boston University community to attend these events. We strongly encourage people to become educated in every way about AIDS and how it affects children.”
The Foundation was chosen as AEPhi’s national philanthropy because Elizabeth Glaser herself was an active member of the sorority at the University of Wisconsin.
The Fralick FamilyNovember 1, 2007
From left: Jeffrey, Ceci, and Kelsie Fralick |
Jeffrey Fralick, 11, and his sisters, Kelsie, 15, and Ceci, 7, are typical kids from southeastern Pennsylvania. Jeff and Kelsie play for traveling hockey clubs, while Ceci is an avid figure skater. Passionate hockey fans, they watch their favorite team, the Philadelphia Flyers, every chance they get.
In August, with summer winding down and the hockey season long over, the kids decided to open a lemonade stand and donate the proceeds to a charitable cause. Kelsie had learned about the AIDS pandemic at school, and after some online research the trio came across the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Compelled by the Foundation’s mission, they went to work, setting up their stand at the end of the road and selling lemonade for 25 cents per cup, or three cups for 50 cents. After two weeks the kids had raised $25 to donate to the Foundation.
With a promise from their parents, Mary Pat and Jeff, to match the final total, the kids wanted to do more. Jeffrey came up with the idea to sell old books to a used bookstore and found one that would buy each book for $3.50. That day, the three kids sold 31 books, increasing their total fundraising to $133. Jeffrey was able to sell a video game and book to a friend for $17, capping their fundraising at $150. The kids were able to donate $300 to help support the Foundation’s lifesaving programs.
“AIDS has become such a problem in [the world].” wrote Jeffrey, Kelsi, and Ceci in a letter sent along with their donation. “We would like you to accept our donation and hopefully it will bring you one step closer to finding a cure.”
 Thomson JaffeJuly 20, 2007
Thomson Jaffe, a rising high school sophomore, is not your typical bubbly teenager. She took her enthusiasm for theater and combined it with a desire to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. In 2005 and 2006, she single-handedly organized “Kids for Kids Cabaret,” a variety show featuring young performers. The idea for the event came to Thomson when she was planning an upcoming trip to New York to see the Broadway musical "Rent," which tackles the issue of HIV/AIDS. Thomson, an avid performer in local theater productions who hopes to be on Broadway some day, felt education about the disease was lacking in her own community, and she began thinking of ways to raise awareness and fight the pandemic.
“It is so sad to see people dying out in their prime and that they won’t be able to experience all life has to offer,” she said, and thus the idea of organizing the “Kids for Kids Cabaret” was born. She put together a dynamic lineup of 12 acts, including the school jazz band and a performance featuring Thomson and her sister. The night was such a success that Thomson organized “Kids for Kids Cabaret 2” this past spring.
Thomson's initial inspiration to donate the money to the Foundation was spurred when the organization was featured on the television show The Apprentice. After a visit to the Foundation’s Web site, she immediately realized that the focus on children fit perfectly with the theme of her own event. “I love helping people,” she explained, “and I want to keep doing it!”
Donya KaneJune 6, 2007
One of the Africa-inspired paintings created by Donya Kane's art class. |
At Hyman Fine Elementary School in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the African-themed annual art show sparked creativity in more than just the students. As Donya Kane’s first and second grade classes let their imaginations run wild making paintings of African animals, their teacher also had a vision.
Kane suggested that the students should sell their extraordinary works of African art to raise money to fight HIV/AIDS, believing it was a great opportunity to teach her students about the devastation HIV/AIDS has had on the continent. The idea received overwhelming support from faculty and parents. It was a wonderful way to reach out. The kids loved their project and they were even more excited that other kids would benefit from it.
The initial contribution to the Foundation was $200, and money continues to come in. For its first year, the project was a great success. “We hope we are able to help a few people with our contribution. Every little bit helps, and our little bit is something,” Kane said.
As an art teacher at Hyman Fine Elementary for the last nine years, Kane helps choose the theme every year for the art show. She hopes to continue the charity work around next year’s theme as well — and “I hope to publicize [it] more next year!”
As for Kane’s inspiration, she explained, “I want to expose charitable work to my son and I guess that spilled over to my classroom.” It was the perfect opportunity and by giving to the Foundation, “children were able to help children.”
 Madison BelfourApril 2, 2007
At the end of a fun-filled summer, most fifth graders are anxiously anticipating the start of a new school year. But Madison Belfour had something else on her mind: She wanted to give something back.
When Madison first learned about AIDS, she immediately knew that it was a cause that was close to her heart. “My mom told me how tough [AIDS is] to face, and how babies got it. I thought it was very sad,” Madison said. So she sprang into action, using her longtime love of baking to make a difference. Working with her best friend, she organized a charity bake sale in her Lake Worth, Florida, community called “Sweets for a Sweet Life.”
The two spent hours baking brownies and cookies in the morning, then set out to local parks and beaches to sell their delicious goods and offer face-painting on the side. The result: Increased awareness about pediatric AIDS, and a $40 donation to help support the Foundation’s lifesaving programs.
Madison’s initial discussion with her mother about the devastation of AIDS helped lead her to learn about the Foundation. “I read about the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and I thought it was a good foundation to share money with,” she said.
Madison isn’t only ambitious in the summer time. During the school year, she rehearses dances for school variety shows, attends hip hop class at her dance studio, and loves playing sports like football or tennis.
Madison’s awareness of the struggles faced by people living with AIDS has remained following her bake sale, and she hopes her actions make a positive impact.
“At least kids can have a good life even if they have AIDS, like I have a very good life. I know that every penny counts,” she said.
Daniel PopperJanuary 5, 2007
 To fulfill an act of kindness, or a mitzvah, for his recent Bar Mitzvah, Daniel Popper took giving to another level. Combining his passions for sports and philanthropy, Daniel created the 1st Annual Aces Round Robin Tennis Tournament — a friendly competition benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
“I’m really into sports, playing and following — that was a reason that I really wanted to do a tennis tournament,” said Daniel. “I wanted to incorporate something that I love doing and get people involved.”
The New Canaan, Connecticut, eighth-grader first got the idea for a tennis tournament while watching his family and neighbors play the sport. Daniel himself has been playing tennis for as long as he can remember.
“A lot of people in my community are interested in tennis,” he said. “I thought the tournament was the best way to involve parents and children all into the same activity.”
Once Daniel decided on his fundraising plan, he sought out guidance from his rabbi to find a charity. After reading about Elizabeth’s story, Daniel felt compelled to dedicate all of the proceeds from his tennis tournament to the Foundation.
To spur interest and donations, Daniel publicized the tournament through emails and flyers that he passed out at his school. Fourteen doubles teams played in the September tournament, and more than two dozen families gave donations totaling $1,525.
“I was inspired by [Elizabeth’s] story and that I was going to be helping kids, since I have a connection with them,” said Daniel. “I felt really good after and having the ability to donate to the foundation, and plan on doing the tournament again and donating more in the future.”
 Molly GachignardOctober 9, 2006
Molly Gachignard seems like a typical high school senior: She counts John Mayer and Dave Matthews among her favorite musicians, and spends time wondering about where she’ll go to college next year. But Molly’s also written her own musical, and has donated proceeds from a show she organized and directed last spring to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
The Salem, Massachusetts, resident definitely stands out. She plays the piano, writes her own music, and cares passionately about AIDS research, particularly as it applies to the Broadway community. Last spring, she combined her talents and her interests to organize a concert — featuring her own works and those of Rent playwright Jonathan Larson — to benefit the Foundation. Molly summed up her feelings about AIDS in the event’s program: “Everyone always talks about what a tragedy every disease in this world is but few rarely do something about it…Attending this concert is a great first step.”
Gachignard initially suggested the idea to her high school National Honor Society advisor. Undaunted by a tepid response, she decided the project was important enough to do on her own. So she found a location, called newspapers, put up flyers, directed the cast of 23, and played the piano. The show, Actions Speak Louder Than Words, raised $847, and inspired the mother of one of the performers to donate 10 percent of her jewelry sales to the Foundation as well.
The show featured nine songs either written or co-written by Gachignard, as well as two selections from Larson, whom she counts as an inspiration. “I like to write to inspire people,” she says.
Although the concert involved a lot of hard work, Gachignard says she is “thinking about next year” and would like to turn it into an annual event. Not that she’s just waiting around in the meantime: She’s already looking into writing another musical.
Katelyn ButtlerMay 18, 2006
While watching My Super Sweet 16, an MTV show featuring lavish sixteenth birthday parties, Katelyn Buttler of Columbus, New Jersey, was shocked at the enormous cost of the celebrations. She decided she wanted her own Sweet 16 party to benefit more lives than just her own.
So instead of an expensive gift, Katelyn asked each person attending her Sweet 16 party on February 4, 2006, to bring a check for $16 to donate to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Katelyn raised nearly $900 to support the Foundation’s lifesaving programs while increasing awareness of pediatric AIDS in the process.
Katelyn celebrates her sixteenth birthday with friends. |
“I felt this was something I had to do,” explained Katelyn, who learned about the Foundation while browsing the AIDS charities featured on the Kenneth Cole Web site. “I truly believe that AIDS is not just one person’s problem.”
Katelyn’s story was featured in two local newspapers and on Channel Six Action News in Philadelphia. After hearing about the fund raiser in the news, several more neighbors and friends sent checks or simply left them in Katelyn’s mail box. She also received donations from Kenneth Cole (who supplied a check for $16 as well as gift bags for Katelyn’s party), New Jersey Senator Diane Allen, and the former first lady of New Jersey.
The success of Katelyn’s first fund raiser has motivated her to do more. “I was thinking about doing a fashion show,” said Katelyn, who is an aspiring fashion designer, “and then auctioning off the dresses at the end to raise money for the Foundation.”
Dennis EstesDecember 31, 2005
Dennis Estes accepts his award. |
Each year, the Foundation honors a volunteer who has exhibited outstanding spirit and dedication with the “Kevin Flynn Spirit Award of Giving.” The award is named in memory of Kevin Flynn, a loyal volunteer and friend of the Foundation who passed away in 1998.
The Foundation is pleased to announce the 2005 recipient of this prestigious award: Dennis Estes of Los Angeles, California. Dennis, who works as a purser and instructor with American Airlines, began partnering with the Foundation in 1997 when he brought together a group of volunteers to participate in the annual A Time for Heroes Celebrity Carnival. In Dennis’ words, he’s been “hooked” on the Foundation ever since.
Whether they are checking in guests, manning game booths, assisting with the media, or stuffing gift bags, Dennis and his team do whatever is necessary to make Foundation events run smoothly. Dennis has had many memorable moments during his time with the Foundation, but one experience stands out in particular.
“At this year's Time for Heroes [Celebrity Carnival], a very shy 13-year-old living with HIV asked me to introduce her to her hero, TV star Matthew Perry,” Dennis recounts. “I was happy to make the connection. Matthew's embrace was rewarded with a big smile from this very grateful teenager. I feel truly blessed to play a part in this and so many other experiences.”
Pam Barnes, the Foundation’s interim president and CEO, has nothing but praise for Dennis and the group of friends he brings to help at each Foundation event. “They’re flawless at check-in, they handle rowdy celebrities with aplomb, and soothe ruffled egos with a smile…And just when staff is feeling most overwhelmed, Dennis shows up and asks what he can do.”
From the Foundation’s inception, volunteers like Dennis have made this organization what it is today. Congratulations, Dennis, on a well-deserved award!
Susann GersteinDecember 10, 2005
The Foundation applauds Susann Gerstein, proprietor of Small Change Consignments in Reston, Virginia, for her generous donation of clothes and toys to a Foundation family in need.
Thandazile Darby and her children, Emily, 5, and Lewis, 4, traveled to Washington D.C., from Durban, South Africa to participate in a special World AIDS Day event at the White House the week of December 1, 2005. Although the Darbys were thrilled to be in Washington, they were unprepared for its freezing cold temperatures—especially as compared to South Africa.
Susann, together with a friend from another consignment shop, came to the rescue, providing four to five days’ worth of winter clothes (sweaters, pants, dresses, outerwear, and pajamas) for both children and an outfit for Thandazile. Susann also gave a handmade toy to each child.
Helping children and their families is nothing new to Susann and the staff at Small Change. “We were thrilled to do this,” Susann says. “We donate to at least one nonprofit organization almost every day. Although our store is located in an affluent area, there is still a lot of need.”
Susann’s donation allowed the Darbys to enjoy their time in Washington—which included a televised appearance with President and Mrs. Bush and an invitation to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree—in cozy, warm clothing. Thanks to Susann and her staff for helping make the Darbys' visit so special.
Emily and Lewis Darby at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., bundled up in their new winter clothes. |
Emily, Thandazile, and Lewis Darby with their doctor, Helga Holst, listening to President Bush speak on World AIDS Day. |
Lori AngelilliOctober 31, 2005
Lori with her team, including celebrity teammate Dave Winfield, at the Golf Classic. |
The Foundation appreciates all the golfers who took time out of their busy lives to participate in the Seventh Annual Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Golf Classic, held on October 17, 2005 at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. But Lori Angelilli, a logistics company employee who traveled all the way from Cape Coral, Florida, deserves special recognition.
always followed Paul Glaser’s career, and when his family became HIV-positive in the 1980s, my heart went out to them,” Lori says. Last year, after reading about the 2004 Golf Classic on the Foundation’s website, Lori decided that “life’s too short” and she had to do something to help. Her plan: travel to California and play in the 2005 tournament.
Lori had her work cut out for her. She had to come up with the money for her travel and the tournament fee, and although she’d played sports throughout her life, she didn’t know how to play golf! Lori’s husband bought her a set of clubs for her birthday and she began taking lessons. She helped out with a friend’s cleaning business on weekends to raise money for the entry fee and the trip out West. And by the time September 2005 rolled around, Lori was up for the challenge.
Upon arriving in California, Lori couldn’t wait to get out and play the famous course at the Riviera. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. The tournament was called due to rain after the third hole, but Lori wouldn’t give up easily. She and a few other resilient golfers, including baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, persevered for eight holes until the driving rain finally sent them to the clubhouse.
Despite the rain, the day wasn’t a washout for Lori. “I knew it was going to be weird going out there by myself, but I’m just so glad I did it,” she says. “The people at the Foundation were fantastic. The volunteers were awesome…I would go back in a heartbeat.”
Even if she can’t return to Los Angeles next year for the 2006 Golf Classic, Lori hopes to tee off again to help the Foundation. She has plans to organize a golf tournament fundraiser for the Foundation in her home state of Florida next fall, and she is already to talking to Foundation representatives about her ideas. Many thanks to Lori for helping bring a future of hope to children around the world.
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