Last Saturday, April 3, 12-14 volunteers helped Edgar Negron revitalize the Founder’s Cottage garden. To see more photos of their handiwork, click here. Thank you to everyone who contributes to keeping the Founder’s Cottage beautiful.

Please join us all in spirit by lighting a candle of remembrance and hope on December 1, 2009: Remembrance of the millions of men, women, children and youth who are living with and have been lost to HIV/AIDS around the world, and Hope that we will see the end of HIV in our lifetime. We invite you to become involved and help us care for and support the nearly 20,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS today in our local communities. As you light your candle, please recognize that One Candle Illuminates the Way – It is through unity and partnership that each of us can and does make a positive difference in our world. Your support of our programs is more than appreciated – It saves lives.

The North Texas HIV Service Providers Council continues its dedication to World AIDS Day and its 2009 international theme of universal healthcare access and human rights for all people with HIV. Due to the current economy, the Council will not hold its annual World AIDS Day event.  Rather, we will invest contributions in access, care and support services for a fast growing number of HIV+ people in our local community needing help.

North Texas HIV Service Providers Council

• AIDS Arms, Inc.
• AIDS Interfaith Network
• AIDS Services of Dallas
• AIDS Services of North Texas
• Bryan’s House
• Dallas County Early Intervention Clinic
• Legacy Counseling Center
• Legal Hospice of Texas
• Parkland HHS
• Resource Center Dallas
• Welcome House, Inc.

Last Saturday, the United Court of the Lone Star Empire presented us a check for $4100! We  would also like to congratulate the newest  Crown Princess, Montana Reed!

That isn’t the only fun we had that night! We had a great time at the Thanks for Giving Show hosted by Illusions and Texas Gay Rodeo Association.

Tuesday, December 1 is World AIDS Day. In recognition, Legacy is hosting an educational seminar titled HIV+ Women and Personal Power. Legacy welcomes women with HIV/AIDS and those who may not have the diagnosis, but still want to make a difference. Join is for dinner and door prizes. The event will be held at the Center For Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak in Dallas,  from 6-8pm. Tickets are still available. For more information, please contact Kim at 214-520-6308 ext 1. Sponsored by Abbott Virology.

Messy’s Thanksgiving Stuff Your Turkey Show raised $630 to benefit the work and programs of Legacy Counseling Center and Founders Cottage. Thank you Messy!

Now that you’re up to date on Legacy news, go enjoy your turkey! Have an extra piece of pie for us!

Thanks to Edgar Negron, our team captain, and many others who helped a great deal, including Steve Weir and Lead Concepts, Legacy was the second highest partner agency and ranked third in the civic team category! Team Legacy raised a grand total of $4,991 to aid the fight against HIV/AIDS! We are so grateful to all of those who gave their time and effort to the cause!

Legacy’s Director of Counseling Services, Susan Wisneski was honored last week as a 2009 Hero of Humanity. Each year, the Art of Living organization commends individuals and groups across the U.S. who work to better society and encourage human values.

The award ceremony was featured in the Dallas Voice. Check the link below.

http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_12091.php

On Sunday, December 13, 2009, our friends at the Round-Up Saloon are hosting their annual Christmas Stocking Auction with all proceeds benefiting Legacy Counseling Center and the Founders Cottage. Come ready to shop for there will be lots of fabulous gift baskets and stockings full of goodies for you to choose from! All gifts are donated by local and caring merchants wanting to support the community.

Over the weekend, friends of Legacy, Doug Swartz and Michael Whiteside hosted a party for Michael’s 40th birthday. In lieu of gifts, Michael requested donations for the Founders Cottage! Doug and Michael just delivered a check and various necessary items from the cottage wish list. Please think of Legacy when hosting your next shindig! Thanks, again, Doug and Michael!

Although the weather was unseasonably cool, the atmosphere at this year’s LifeWalk was warm and welcoming. Luckily, we didn’t get rained on. Walkers played with beach balls as they hoofed it to raise money for Legacy and other AIDS related charities. The Legacy lollipops and dog bones were a hit among the crowd.  Lively entertainment was graciously provided by the Dallas Symphony and Cheer Dallas. The most exciting news is that Team Legacy is ranked in the 10 highest earning teams! Go Team Legacy!

This year, Black Tie Dinner 2009 was electric. Guests enjoyed the luxurious silent auction and a cocktail or two before heading to the ballroom for the main event. Thanks to Abbott Laboratories, Melissa had a front row seat. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom gave an inspiring speech and former Dallas Mayor Laura Miller provided laughter with her remarks. Steve, Leon and Raul looked great on the Legacy video. Following the close of the silent auction, the Grey Goose after party was the place to be with festivities going well into Sunday morning. Legacy is thankful for such a well planned event that brought the community together in such a fun and exciting way.

Black Tie Dinner, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for gay and lesbian supportive organizations serving North Texas through a premier event of empowerment, education, and entertainment in partnership with the community.