This was my third year attending AIDS Network's Red Ribbon Affair. I am deeply grateful to Bob Power and the staff for their outstanding efforts and for their graciousness to see that I attend in style each year. It is indeed an honor to be there for this premiere event. The volunteers did an incredible job as well this year. The Red Ribbon Affair kicks off the ‘fundraising season’ each year in grand fashion for AIDS Network. It is a fundraiser and gala that brings together the incredibly diverse community of Madison and elsewhere, bonded and united in the fight. This year was no exception. The house was to capacity with nearly 450 in attendance at the Monona Terrace in Madison. This years featured guest was Wisconsin State Senator Russ Feingold. After a number of visits to his offices in D.C. for various advocacy efforts, it was an honor to thank him for making our HIV/AIDS work in Wisconsin and elsewhere, an 'easy task.' He and our Congresswoman, amongst many, are staunch supporters of HIV/AIDS and are resolute in their commitment locally and abroad. It was such a pleasure to see Congresswoman Baldwin again, as well as State Representative Mark Pocan who was so gracious to speak for us on our Campaign to END AIDS Kickoff here in Madison last fall. I can’t describe to you the feeling of satisfaction to see lawmakers ranging from our Mayor, City Council Members, to our elected officials in Washington, all gathered together because they truly care! Our friends in the media here in Madison are tireless as well! It was so great to be seated this year with our friend and reporter for ABC 27, Mitch Weber. Mitch is such a source of inspiration for me. Not only does he lend his skills to AIDS Network and the community through his reporting, he pedals each year on the ACT Rides and is even on the steering committee for this years ACT IV Ride, thank you is not enough! As I've said before, we are so very blessed to live in a city where everyone seems to be doing their part in the fight against HIV/AIDS. My special friend (and everyone else’s) Mike McKinney from NBC 15 did an amazing job with Pam to host the evening. Mike has battled with his own survival from cancer and appeared as brilliant, eloquent and healthy as ever. Mike too gives countless hours and support to AIDS Network, the community and the ACT Rides. There is not enough room to write about this very special man and what he has done for AIDS Network and the fight against HIV/AIDS, thank you Mike and keep on kicking ass my friend! We enjoyed a delicious dinner of salad, steak, salmon and a dessert to die for! Teresa and I had a wonderful time and looked smashing (if I may say) in our tuxedos, with tails no less. We were happy to sit with Della Haugen and her friend, Jim and Jim from the ACT Rides who are so giving, and speaking of tireless and committed, Kristin Mathews! I spent some time catching up with the amazing staff from AIDS Network, some new staff and past staff that I’m proud to call friends and my extended family.  The house was packed with countless friendly faces and I was so happy to see everyone in one place! I got to spend time (not enough) saying hello to Lolo Evans, James Pennington, Bob Moore, Amanda Wilkins, Mikos, Marge Suttinen, Danno, the Dargan’s, Katy and Jay, Michaela Torcaso, Sharon Younkin, the Solomon’s, Carol Samuel, the beautiful Schneeberger family, Mike’s mom Barbara and friends Chris and Patty. Those are just the ones I can remember. It was truly a wonderful evening and I look forward to next year. Actually, in all reality, it would be heavenly to think we wouldn’t need to have a ‘next year.’ This pandemic has raged on far too long. Thank you to everyone in attendance for helping to see an END to AIDS and in the meantime, bring an immense amount of support, awareness and compassion!

Please enjoy the slide show