E-Newsletter March 2019

by | Mar 9, 2019 | Newsletters

We hope to see you at our annual meeting and appreciation event on Tuesday, March 19. Friends, food, inspiration, and a celebration of community—free and open to all!

Information about this and other important upcoming events and opportunities is below. We’ve got opportunities for everyone: a classical music concert, a rooftop party at Playground, a golf tournament, a blues concert, and so much more. Join us as we build a community of support!


Scott Blades
Executive Director

 

Quick Links to This Month’s Articles

Celebrating Shining Stars! Annual Meeting & Community Appreciation Party – Tuesday, March 19th

Please join us as we acknowledge and celebrate the stars that shine–TIHAN’s dedicated volunteers and community business, faith & organizational partners—and reflect on our accomplishments from 2018 and look forward to our plans for 2019.

The event takes place on Tuesday, March 19 at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (602 N Wilmot), at the corner of 5th Street and Wilmot. The reception begins at 5:30pm (check-in starts at 5:15pm), and the program takes place from 6-7pm with some updates about TIHAN and honoring volunteers and supporters.

The evening will include hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, lots of photos of people and events, a presentation of the 2019 Board of Directors, a video highlighting people and events of 2018, and some special awards.

Come join the party and meet and mingle with our volunteers, staff, and board, as we recognize outstanding contributions. Please RSVP to this event: (520) 299-6647 ext 204 or VolunteerCoordinator@tihan.org

Big News in The HIV World

Including these recent articles:

  • “H.I.V. Is Reported Cured in a Second Patient, a Milestone in the Global AIDS Epidemic” – a person with HIV who received a bone marrow transplant to treat his cancer appears to have his HIV in long-term remission, raising hopes for additional research towards cure possibilities
  • “Dr. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos Spotlights ‘Overlooked U.S. HIV Crisis Among Youth’ in the Lancet” – although “the number of new annual HIV diagnoses in the USA declined 4% from 2012 to 2016… among those 13- to 29 years old, new HIV diagnoses rose by a substantial 6%,” with new diagnoses among Latino young MSM increasing 17% and new diagnoses among Black young MSM increasing 9% during that period.
  • “Monthly shots control HIV as well as pills in 2 big studies” – good news that studies are showing good results for people who are given long-acting anti-retroviral medication via a monthly shot instead of a daily pill

Heather Hardy Benefit Concert – Friday, March 22

Join us for a night of music under the stars with Heather Hardy & the Lil’ Mama Band on the Courtyard Stage at Monterey Court Café on Friday, March 22, the doors open at 6pm, and the show starts at 7pm. Advance tickets for the benefit concert are on sale for $20, and a portion of your food and beverage orders that night will support HIV programs as well.

Good Times Magazine says: “Heather Hardy shows off her technical prowess on the violin, amazingly strong vocals and a gift for music and lyrics that ranks her with some of the top composers in the field of blues music.” Check out a short video clip of her performing.

The concert venue is located at 505 W Miracle Mile. We’ll also have a small silent auction and 50/50 raffle tickets, and a presentation of our 2019 Leadership Award to Jon Stetson and Noel Floresca.

Concert tickets and sponsorship information for this concert, part of the Swinging@AIDS golf tournament weekend, are available at swingingataids.org

Did You Know? There’s Still Time to Get an Arizona State Tax Credit on your 2018 Tax Return!

Did you know that as a donor to TIHAN, you can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against your Arizona state taxes— up to $400 per individual or $800 per married couple? This is not just a deduction, but a direct credit off any state taxes you owe. And under Arizona law, if you made a contribution to TIHAN in 2018 or before April 15, 2019, you can still claim the tax credit on your 2018 tax return! So there’s still time. And, you don’t have to itemize, and you can claim this tax credit in addition to the school and foster care tax credits that you can claim as well! You can donate online now at tihan.org, then click on the DONATE TODAY button.

A Fun Golf Tournament That Helps People in Need

The 5th Annual Swinging@AIDS Golf Tournament takes place on Saturday, March 23, at the beautiful El Conquistador Golf & Tennis in Oro Valley (10555 North La Canada Drive).

The fun-filled scramble-style tournament begins with at 8:00am with a shotgun start, and also features a silent auction. $125 registration fee includes greens fees, cart, lunch, prizes, and a $50 donation.

Golf tournament sponsorships range from $30 to $250 and more. All proceeds of the Swinging@AIDS benefit weekend will support a local HIV program (TIHAN) and a global program (Children of Africa Hope Mission School in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, where many of the children and parents have HIV and are at high risk).

To sign up to golf, become an event sponsor, and learn more, please visit swingingataids.org or contact Jess Losoya at (520) 447-6852

Welcome Our New Program Coordinator, Rachel!

Rachel Briggs is our new Program Coordinator overseeing our Living Well with HIV and Link Specialist programs! She is an Arizona native and moved to Tucson in 2002 to study History and Communication at the University of Arizona. Rachel comes from a background in teaching and social work, as well as a volunteer for programs locally, nationally and abroad. She is excited to join TIHAN and brings extensive knowledge of local resources and community agencies.

 

 

 

 

Classical Concert Features Schubert’s Winterreise, A Dove of Peace Benefit In Support of TIHAN

Dove of Peace Lutheran Church’s free series of classical music concerts continues its 15th season with a performance on Sunday, March 24, 2:00pm. The free concert takes place in the Sanctuary of the church, 665 W Roller Coaster Road.

As with all of Dove’s concerts, admission is free, although this month the free-will offering will be taken in support of TIHAN, whose mission is to provide an inclusive support network to help people with HIV to live as well as possible.

The concert and annual series is paid for by the congregation as a gift to the community, and concertgoers are invited to make a freewill contribution to an important nonprofit organization at each event.

This special performance is Schubert’s Winterreise, featuring special guest artists baritone Cory Renbarger and pianist Stephen Carlson. Schubert’s famous song cycle sets 24 poems by German poet Wilhelm Müller about love through the metaphor of a winter’s journey.

Join us for an afternoon of special music.

Robert Shares How Living with HIV Has Shaped His World

Robert learned that he was living with HIV in 2001. Looking back, he credits TIHAN and the heterosexual support group at SAAF for helping him overcome the isolation that often accompanies an HIV diagnosis. He shares that, when you get involved, you see that “everyone is aware and going through the same thing. It’s an eye opener to realize where you are in life.”

Today, Robert has a great support system and circle of friends, but he knows there is still HIV stigma out there. He told a recent story about an acquaintance who worried about getting HIV from Robert because they shared a soda. There is still a lot of misinformation, and it takes some time to become educated and informed.

Robert has been involved in most aspects of TIHAN throughout the years, including the Living Well With HIV program, both as a participant and helping with ideas as a member of the Advisory Committee. He says his favorite part of TIHAN might be Poz Café, where he sees so many friendly faces. He’s missed only a handful of Poz Café lunches over the past several years – and only because he was out of town.

“TIHAN has had a very positive effect,” he shares. “I’ve learned that even small things do make a difference, even if it’s just for one person.” TIHAN has inspired Robert to help and give back whenever possible, and a few years ago he was honored with TIHAN’s Empowerment Award, given to a person living with HIV/AIDS who has demonstrated exceptional courage and achievement.

Once he found out that he was living with HIV, he says, “I just needed good people around me. It’s taken such charge of my life that I don’t know if I would change anything, even my diagnosis.” Many of those “good people” he talks about are great supporters and volunteers like YOU, and we thank you for helping TIHAN to do what we do in supporting CarePartners like Robert to live well with HIV!

Partnering with Tucson Medical Center – Working Together to Support People with HIV to Live Well

TIHAN is excited to be partnering with Tucson Medical Center’s Connected Health and Wellness program as part of our Living Well with HIV curriculum.

TMC wellness staff are joining us for the next two classes in our Living Well series: “Finding Your ‘WHY’” is a presentation and discussion about, after major life changes including an HIV diagnosis, ways to discover your passion and offer a new sense of purpose.

“Movement Matters!” will discuss simple ways to improve fitness without a gym workout.

Thank you, TMC, for offering these popular classes to our community living with HIV.

SPARKLE & SILVER: Treasures for TIHAN 2019 Shines!

Join us on Saturday, June 15, for a night of fun and impact! We’re planning a special evening of cocktails, entertainment, fantastic food, and wonderful auction items — all for a great cause – as we support TIHAN’s programs and their 25 years of impact in the community.

Donate an auction item
Would you or your business/organization like to contribute an item or a gift certificate to support the cause, and receive exposure in our community of hundreds of compassionate people who share your values? Gift certificates, event tickets, ceramics, jewelry, services, trips, antiques – we like to have a wide variety of items to auction off! Contact us — we can pick up your donation, or you can drop it off.
Become a Treasures event sponsor
Sponsorship levels begin at $500, and each level offers you a host of benefits, including free tickets, publicity, and great karma!
Sign up to volunteer at the event
We have volunteer opportunities on the day before, the day of, the day after – and even in these weeks and months ahead of the event. Contact us for details.
Order your event tickets
Event tickets are $65 in advance – get yours now!
More details at: Treasures for TIHAN 2019

Arizona Daily Star Highlights Efforts of Longtime TIHAN Volunteers Jon and Noel

Long-time TIHAN volunteers Jon Stetson and Noel Floresca were recently featured in an article in the Arizona Daily Star newspaper.

Click here to see the story.

They’re being recognized for their 20+ years of service, advocating for love, justice, inclusion, and affirmation.

The Center for Health and Hope will be presenting its 2019 Leadership Award to Jon and Noel at the events during the Swinging@AIDS benefit weekend. Thank you, and congrats, for making such a tremendous difference!

Supply Request of the Month: Deodorant

Spring and summer are just around the corner! This means rising temperatures and an increased need for deodorant. Can you help us ensure that every CarePackage we distribute to our CarePartners living with HIV includes a stick of deodorant?

We need deodorant for every person! We have a higher need for deodorant for men, but anything that you can contribute is greatly appreciated!

Please bring donations to the TIHAN office at 2660 N 1st Ave during our business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.

Join in The Fun, Build Community and Get to Know New People by Volunteering for TIHAN!

Here’s a great way to get to know your community more: volunteer for TIHAN! Did you know that TIHAN has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities? We’re recruiting volunteers for all roles–administrative, event, and Care & Support direct support services:

  • “Treasures for TIHAN” Auction Planning Team Members
  • “Treasures for TIHAN” Auction Item Solicitors
  • Database Entry Team Members
  • Operation Assistants
  • Support roles for Care & Support
  • Link Specialists, especially Spanish-speaking

You can also find the complete list of our current volunteer openings by clicking here or going to TIHAN.org, clicking on “Volunteer,” then on “Volunteer Opportunities.” One of them might be just right for you! Or call or email the TIHAN office at 299-6647 ext 204, or VolunteerCoordinator@tihan.org

Living Well Programs for People with HIV

We are excited to add new presenters from Tucson Medical Center for our next Living Well classes, and we’ll also be bringing back some popular topics later this year.

We’re grateful to continue to work alongside Hughes Federal Credit Union and Michelle Rico from the UA Extension’s Food & Nutrition Education Program.

We’d also like to thank St. Cyril of Alexandria and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church who generously donate space to house our classes, and Aunt Rita’s Foundation, too!

It is wonderful to see so much support from our local community to help us continue to support those living with HIV/AIDS to live well!

Playground, Belvedere, and USBG Tucson Present the Rooftop RED PARTY for TIHAN

Playground Bar & Lounge in the heart of Tucson’s downtown is hosting the 3rd annual Red Party, presented by Belvedere Vodka and USBG Tucson, on Sunday, April 7 at 7pm as a benefit for TIHAN! This year’s event features the USBG Bartender Competition.

Come out, help us raise money, and cast your vote for some great cocktails created by some of the hottest bartenders in Tucson. Playground’s popular rooftop party spot (covered and heated) will be the site for music, drag queens, dj’s, entertainment, drinks, and fun.

Belvedere drink specials all night! Playground is donating to TIHAN $1 for every Belvedere drink, and $20 for every bottle sold in the month of March (enjoy $6 Belvedere’s all month long).

Join hosts Lucinda Holliday and Isis D. Frost at Playground’s unique panoramic rooftop party supporting the HIV community.

No cover.

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