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Bakersfield’s AIDS Project has come across a difficult time in today’s economy. Ricky’s Retreat, the nonprofit’s community resource center located on 910 Grace Street is in foreclosure. Executive Director of the nonprofit, Audrey Chavez says the organization would like to purchase the house at an estimated $90,000. So far $35,000 has been raised.

In a grass roots effort to aid the nonprofit in a vulnerable state, a handful of friends decided to take a stand and lend a helping hand. Throughout the months of September through December, a handful of fundraisers will take place to raise money for the hospice home and resource center.

On the evening of September 15, 2009 “Saving Grace,” the first fundraiser to benefit Ricky’s Retreat will be held at the chic Metro Galleries in downtown Bakersfield. The event promises to be a night of tasting fine wines, an exquisite silent auction of local art and phenomenal acoustic music by the talented Eric Himan.

David Trujillo was inspired by the organization’s mission and dedication to its community. In order to help the organization reach its goal, Trujillo has organized a small group of friends to help him in his mission to aid the nonprofit organization by creating a handful of small fundraising events between September and December 1. The goal is to try and raise $50,000.

“I saw Audrey Chavez’s call for assistance early this year.  I hadn't been involved in the community and thought this was an opportunity for me to get active,” Trujillo says.  “After speaking with Audrey and learning how she was inspired after the passing of her brother, it was evident she had a compassion for this community.  When someone gives from the heart, like Audrey does, you know her clients are receiving both care and love.  It is great to witness her dedication.” 

Performing at the event is indie-rocker, Eric Himan. Having made a name for himself in support of civil rights and local AIDS foundations across the country, Eric was eager to help Bakersfield’s AIDS Project.

“I have friends who are HIV+ and who have at times been diagnosed with AIDS and fortunately for them (and for these times), they were able to bring their T-cell counts up,” Himan says. “I hear my older friends speak of those who have passed away to AIDS and I want to be able to do something to help raise awareness and money, for not just my friends but for those close to me, too.”

Origins:             

In 2003, Bakersfield's AIDS Project (BAP) volunteers realized from a different perspective the shortage of housing and hospice homes for local people living with AIDS when a 34 year old woman begged a BAP volunteer to take her home, as she did not want to die in a hospital. 

Bakersfield’s AIDS Project searched until they found a beautiful four-bedroom home that was built in 1912 in East Bakersfield. The woman's peace of mind was apparent in her smile as she looked upon the team of volunteers who quickly readied the place for her welcome.  Her children were able to visit and shared her last days alongside her in peace and surrounded by love and compassion.

To help rescue Ricky’s Retreat by attending “Saving Grace” on September 15 at Metro Galleries, 6-9 p.m. please contact Jason Gutierrez at 661-496-9245.