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has its website at www.rotaryaidsproject.org |
rev. 10/24/06
He couldn't say "AIDS." In response to his father's question, "How do you feel?" his choked-up response was "I'm not well, Dad. I have a virus."
In 1989, two tragic events remarkably gave birth to a significant Club project: Steve Angius died of AIDS and beloved Club member Walter Singer announced to the Club that he was HIV positive as a consequence of a tainted transfusion. Walter died in 1992.
At his first meeting as Club president in July of 1989, Dude Angius announced to a stunned membership that his son had contracted the disease, and solicited help from the membership in responding to the epidemic. Exemplifying the spirit of Rotary's motto "Service Above Self," the following Rotarians came forth to form the Club's AIDS Task Force: Mary Prochnow (chair), Wyatt Allen, Dude Angius, Bob Berka, Greg Betts, Dick Hasenpflug, Dick Henning, Hal Hoblit, Roy Lave, Jean Newton, Joe Renati and Walter Singer. Since this embryonic beginning, at least a third of the Club has participated in one way or another in the development and success of The Rotary AIDS Project.
The AIDS Task Force met weekly in an attempt to determine what to do and how to do it. Eventually. The Los Altos Story was born - a 30-minute videotape designed not to lecture, preach, or moralize, but rather to depict in a compassionate way the impact of the disease on three Rotarians, their families and their community.
The success and impact of the Rotary AIDS Project would have been unrealized if Hal Hoblit's son Greg and Robin Young had not come into our lives in 1989. Greg (a brilliant film writer, producer. director,) and Robin (a multi-talented NBC investigative reporter) had received 13 Emmys between them. and volunteered their talents to write and produce The Los Altos Story.
The result of their efforts and the dedication and commitment of the AIDS Task Force resulted in significant movement toward the attainment of the Project's goals:
o To educate others about AIDS
o To change attitudes, and behaviors
o To support those afflicted with the disease
o To encourage other Rotary Clubs to accept leadership for developing AIDS Awareness Programs in their own communitiesIn attempting to reach every Rotarian in the world, the videotape was subtitled in six different languages, with over 20.000 copies of the videotape now in circulation. In addition to its use by Rotary Clubs, The Los Altos Story is used widely by church and civic groups, public school systems and corporations to promote compassion, awareness and prevention.
The Los Altos Story has been honored with a multitude of awards, including the George F. Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting (1990), Cable TV's ACE Award for Best Public Affairs Special (1990), Rotary International Presidential Award (1991). and in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Club received the International Humanitarian Award for Film, presented in Geneva. Switzerland in 1998.
The Project continues to have an impact on all who view The Los Altos Story. Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune described its universal appeal by saying, "One of the most powerful documentaries I've ever seen. It has resulted in a documentary of tears and hope, a remarkable document that should deeply touch anyone who watches it." For this powerful impact, the Rotary Club of Los Altos is justifiably proud.
Although the Rotary AIDS Project started as a Rotary Club of Los Altos committee, it is now a separate entity and is continuing its work.For more information about the Rotary AIDS Project, click here to go to the organization's website: Rotary Aids Project
The following information is for Rotary Clubs that may want to be involved with this project:
Dear Club Presidents:
During last week's Avenue of Service President's session, I asked representatives from three projects that were created in an individual Rotary club, but had now spread to many clubs, to speak to you. My objective in exposing you to these programs was to suggest to, and to encourage, your club, to get more involved in the support of these programs. For little time, and perhaps less money, you can make one of these projects "yours." Without having to create a large committee or allocate large amounts of club resources, you can make a remarkable difference in how Rotary addresses the AIDS crisis.
The following is a correspondence from Dude Angius, District AIDS chair, and President of the Rotary AIDS project. Please seriously consider taking this program to your Board of Directors to see if you can make this program "yours." Perhaps one of your members would like to get involved. Perhaps, you could ask someone from this program to come in and be a club program during one of your meetings.
Many of you have commented to me during my club visitations that your club's public image is critical to the success of your club. Think of how a qualified, prospective member will think of your club when you are able to say, "our club is doing something about AIDS." Further, many of you have conducted successful fund raising programs, and right now you are trying to consider the best and most efficient use of these funds. This project may be it.
The following correspondence provides you a contact person, if you need more information. However, please let me know if you are planning to become a part of the way in which our district is making a difference in helping the folks in Africa address AIDS.
Thank you for your time, effort and consideration.
Brad Howard
District Governor, 2002-03
Rotary District 5170
516 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610 USA
Telephone: (510) 834-2260
FAX: (510) 834-1019
E-mail: Rotary@HowardTours.net
To: Club Presidents
Date: October 2, 2002In my remarks last Thursday, I indicated that the huge success of the District booth in Barcelona was due in no small part to three factors.
1. The large number of Rotarians from Africa who requested the Project's packet, which you received on Thursday, was an affirmation of the interest in the book and video for their country.
2. After reviewing the book and DVD, Dr. Rajiv Tandon requested that 150,000 copies of each be sent to India. Dr. Rajiv Tandon wears many hats. He is (a) Executive Director, Rotary International, Polio Plus India, (b) National Coordinator, Indian Medical Association, AIDS Control Program, and (c) Secretary General, Society for the Prevention of AIDS.
3. RI President Bhichai Rattakul wrote to us and expressed his appreciation as well as praise for the book, DVD, and accompanying materials. He indicated that he was sending the materials to the organizers of his Presidential Conference in Nairobi, Kenya in February, 2003.
Hopefully, you have had the opportunity to review the Project material - especially the page entitled "Help We Need from District 5170 Clubs." We would like for you to consider the following questions to help us move the Rotary AIDS Project (RAP) Book and Video Distribution project forward. Our questions are:
1. Are you or your club aware of any Rotarians in developing countries who are concerned about AIDS?
2. Do you know of any Rotary-associated clinics in developing countries that would benefit from the book "HIV, Health, and Your Community"?
3. Is your club able to participate in partial funding for the Project, as described on the sheets entitled "The Book Project" and "Project Budget"?Because time is of the essence, we would sincerely appreciate a response to items 1 and 2 within a week. With respect to item 3 (partial funding), Brad mentioned a figure of $500 per club for District projects - but no amount is too small! In addition to any contribution made by your club, at the end of the year if you have not used your DDF, we would be most appreciative if you would consider contributing all or part of your uncommitted funds to the Rotary AIDS Project Book distribution project.
We encourage you to become part of this District Project by responding in the affirmative to any or all of the 3 questions listed above.
Responses may be directed to:
Richard (Dick) Hasenpflug, Project Director
e-mail: richard@hasenpflug.com
We thank you for your interest in this project and hope to hear from you soon. With much appreciation and kindest regards,Sincerely,
Dude Angius, District 5170 AIDS Chair
President, Rotary AIDS Project (RAP){Copyright © 2008 Los Altos Rotary Club. All rights reserved}