Fund-raiser helps SAN carry on with smaller budget

Fri., March 3, 2006

Virginia De Leon Staff writer

When Joseph Ready developed full-blown AIDS four years ago, he turned to Spokane AIDS Network for help.

“They were there for me when I needed them the most,” said the longtime Spokane resident.

Too sick to work, Ready had to quit his job. Before he knew it, he found himself in the hospital, where doctors thought he would die.

SAN case managers and volunteers stood by him throughout his illness, he recalled. They helped him receive disability and Social Security benefits. They found him housing. They offered emotional support.

When his health improved 2 1/2 years ago, Ready decided to give back and become a volunteer. Today, he’s one of more than 30 active volunteers at SAN, answering phones, filing and doing whatever it takes to keep the organization going.

Spokane learned of its first reported case of HIV in 1984. One year later, the Spokane AIDS Network came into being.

Since it was established 21 years ago, this community-based nonprofit has evolved into the largest comprehensive AIDS service organization in Eastern Washington.

Every year, it serves as many as 300 people with HIV/AIDS and provides AIDS awareness education to at least 1,500 people.

Despite the growing need for its services, SAN’s budget has dwindled.

Four years ago, the organization had a budget of about $900,000 and a staff of 17 people. Now, due to changes in federal and local funding, SAN operates on only $560,000 a year. Its staff has been reduced to 10.

That’s why the annual Oscar Night Gala – SAN’s biggest fund-raiser – is more important than ever, said Executive Director Susan Fabrikant.

“We can’t offer the services we used to offer,” she said.

The gala, which includes a silent auction, raises about $45,000 for SAN’s direct care and prevention services.

“All the money goes directly into the programs,” Fabrikant assured.

More than 80 percent of SAN’s clients have an income of less than $800 a month. Some are homeless. Many have barely enough money to buy food to keep them healthy as they cope with a debilitating disease.

Our clients experience a tremendous amount of discrimination,” Fabrikant said. “Our role is to help people feel like they’re still in control.”

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