by Ezikiel Coy
The Boise AIDS Walk was the first of its kind in Idaho. Not only was it successful, but the organizer of the event had never done something of this magnitude. Against tall odds and tight deadlines, he was able to overcome and start a new yearly event highlighting the spirit of Idahoans; to care about each other, and to survive great obstacles. I interviewed Jerry Nabarrete-Stuart to better understand the effort and passion that goes into creating a charity benefit. Looking deeper into the world of charity benefits, I found that this was the first family friendly charity to take place for the benefit of those living with HIV/AIDS.
The Imperial Sovereign Gem Court of Idaho has three charities that they support through their various bar and benefit organization: The Jimmy Moore Fund, The Jerry Swett Fund, and P&P Food Pantry. According to the official by lines, the organizations provide fund for medical care, living expenses and travel, and food for people who live with AIDS. Because of the resounding success of benefits throughout the year, the funds are available to many local Idahoans who desperately need them in order to maintain their health and home. The Boise AIDS Walk raised over $1400.00 for these programs with the help of the Imperial Sovereign Gem Court of Idaho, Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS (A.L.P.H.A), and Centro de Communidad y Justica (CCJ). All of these 501(c)(3) organizations contributed to putting together the nearly $600.00 required in fees, license, insurance, and paperwork necessary to see an event such as this take place.
Like many great ideas, this event was born from a very personal moment. When asked about his motivation to give back to the HIV/AIDS positive people of Idaho, Jerry said that, “seeing there was a need to help those living with HIV/AIDS, and teaming up with the gem court provided an amazing opportunity.” I pressed a bit harder, because I could feel that there was a deeper need to help others hiding underneath his humble exterior.
“Just having a close friend that is going through this daily, and recognizing need that we still need awareness for this, while at the same time helping those living with this. It not only affects those with it but the entire community. We are all a family that needs support from one another. It’s important to let them and the community know that there is a support network and there are those that do want to help.” – Jerry Nabarrete-Stuart
I have no doubt that we all know at least one HIV+ person. Understanding that there are those in our community still afraid to reach out and find a caring soul to connect with because of the stigma and prejudice behind our assumption of what it means to be positive. A wonderful side effect of this event is that it wasn’t just hidden away in a bar, or surrounded by the usual bar-going crowd. This was the first family friendly HIV/AIDS benefit to take place in Boise. Conversations of what it means to be positive were being had around another generation of people who will grow up and realize, just as the organizer of the event said, “everyone should be loved despite being positive or not.”
That is a powerful message that the future Boise AIDS Walk will continue to bring to the warm light of day. Luckily, with the support of the Flying M Coffee House, The I.S.G.C.I., A.L.P.H.A., and CCJ, the future events should be bigger and even less expensive to produce so that more awareness gets to help those in our community who are struggling, and suffering. They are all organizations that hope to make the world a more open, inviting, understanding place where those who need help from the community can get it without judgement or fear of repercussion.
Next year’s Boise AIDS Walk is planned for the Saturday before Pride, but don’t let that long timeline fool you. People are working hard year round to make sure that the issues facing the gay community are not swept under the rug. If you’re looking to volunteer your time and energy into a great cause, getting in contact with any of the organizations below can make a huge difference in so many lives. All of their websites are provided for our readers. We invite each one of you to reach out and help our local community to become a better place for all.
For more information about the three charity funds, including application information, please visit the ISGCI website: http://idahogemcourt.org
Information about A.L.P.H.A. and their HIV testing services can be found here: http://www.alphaidaho.org
CCJ and their mission can be better understood at their website: http://www.comunidadyjusticiaidaho.org
OutBoise News 