Monday, August 13, 2007

Season of Concern & The AIDS Run & Walk 2007


You may or may not know that while I spend nights singing, drinking and blogging, I spend my days running an incredible organization, Season of Concern.

Season of Concern (SOC) is the Chicagoland theatre community's fundraising effort providing compassionate care to those in our community who are experiencing the effects of HIV/AIDS and other catastrophic illnesses.

Last year, SOC formed a team for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's AIDS Run & Walk. We had recently joined the AFC's Service Providers Council and as a member, we received 75% of all of the pledges raised by our team for the AIDS Walk.

Out team last year was relatively small; it was basically made up of myself and members of the cast and crew of Chicago's production of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. Although we were a "teeny tiny band," we raised quite a bit of money and SOC's 75% of the pledges came to just under $7,000.

For this year's AIDS Run & Walk, the AFC is being even more generous to the members of their Service Providers Council. This year, SOC will receive 100% of all the pledges raised by our AIDS Run & Walk Team.

A little over a week ago, I sent out emails to friends, family and theatre community members to join SOC's Team and/or pledge me for the Walk, but I have to say, the response has been underwhelming - - 4 pledges so far and no one has joined the Team.

I have a lot of work to do in just over a month if SOC is going to make it's fundraising goal for the AIDS Run & Walk of $15,000. A lot of work.

That's why I'm posting it here. If you're in Chicago and can join our team, I would GREATLY appreciate it. And if you aren't available to join the walk, but have a few extra bucks to sponsor me, that would be extremely helpful.

To join the SOC Team or to pledge me in the Walk, go here and type in "Stephen Rader" in the search field. The site will guide you through the rest.

And feel free to pass this info on to anyone you know. I greatly appreciate the help!

AIDS Run & Walk 2007

Saturday, September 15, 2007

4 comments:

Kristie said...

I never got an email, but I left you a donation this morning. Love ya and good luck.

Stephen R. said...

Kristie - You are the best! Thank you so much. Sorry that you didn't get an email. The AFC site has been very problematic this year for some reason. I'll see what's going on.

whimsical brainpan said...

You can do it! I have no doubt that the event will be a success. I love the new look BTW!

I have a signal! It is sketchy (don't know how long it will hold) and not the one from the school, but it's a welcome sight (as is your blog).

Stephen R. said...

Whim - Thank you so much! For the encouragement and your compliments on the new look. I was always searching through those templates looking for something cleaner and finally found this one. I like it.

Glad you have a signal back! I miss you and love you!!