ALC IS ALL ABOUT HELPING!

I'M PROUD TO BE AN ALC ROADIE

From June 6 - 12, 2010, I'm working like a dog to help make AIDS/LifeCycle 9 happen.

ALC is a 7-day, 545-mile cycling event that starts in San Francisco, ends in Los Angeles and touches lives along the way. It makes a world of difference in the lives of people who are living with HIV/AIDS and in the lives of people who participate in ALC's unbelievable celebration of community.

HOW DID I GET HERE?

My commitment to AIDS charities began in 1989 after the death of my brother, Mark. This year, I'll be celebrating my ninth year as an ALC9 roadie captain.  That's what I call going nine-for-nine, roadie style.

But I won't be riding a bike. I'll be working. Hard. And having fun doing it.  Most of my eight work days will be longer than each of the cyclists' seven ride days. I'll spend that time leading a team of amazing roadies. We'll start off as strangers, but after more than a week of waking before dawn, working, playing, eating, traveling and tenting together, we'll be old friends.

I can ride a bike any day. But it's a rare day when I can point to a movable city of committed fundraisers and say, 'I did that.' Personally, I can't imagine doing an event and not doing it as a volunteer. it's just that simple.

THINGS ARE SO DIFFERENT THIS YEAR

This economy is a bitch.  I know.  Oh boy do I know.  Like so many of my friends, I'm finding myself underemployed, and that's after spending some time without work.  It's adding up, and taking its toll and people are talking about it openly, and loudly.  The good news is that we're all learning to ask for help, and I'm finding that, somehow, it's always there.  At least that's how it's been with me.  Turns out it's an amazing gift, this ability to help and be helped.

That's what ALC and the AIDS services of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation are all about -- helping people when and where they need it most.  Being there with a friendly hand, easing an already difficult situation, providing hope.

I'm registered for ALC 9 because somebody else sponsored me to get here and offer my time as a volunteer.  Don't think  I won't work harder than ever this year.  Don't think I'm not grateful. 

HELP ME HELP THEM.

Sometimes I can give money, sometimes I can give time.  I've got the time covered, but if you have anything, however small you may think it is, please give.  Now, more than ever, we're all learning what it means to reach out for help.  Thankfully, we're also finding that no matter how little we all have, there's plenty for everyone.

If you prefer to make your donation by check, please click here for a printable donation form.