A LETTER FROM DAVID RICHART, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG AIDS ALLIANCE:

Dear Lifelong AIDS Alliance Friends and Supporters,

Wednesday, February 18 was AIDS Awareness and Action Day (A3D), our advocacy day at the state capitol. We were fortunate to have 325 attendees representing 43 of 49 districts across Washington. The purpose of A3D was for participants in our state, both those living with HIV/AIDS and those who aren’t to meet with legislators to discuss the need for continued funding for vital programs.

A3D attendees encouraged their legislators to protect and restore $3 million to the HIV Early Intervention Program (EIP) budget. They also encouraged the preservation of $500,000 thousand for Nutrition Services for 200+ low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap Counties. Moreover, legislators were asked to restore cuts to HIV prevention budgets by opposing the $1.5 million cut in AIDS Omnibus Act funding.

During ceremonies throughout the advocacy day, many political officials joined us with some inspiring and supportive words. Among them were Attorney General Rob McKenna, Representative Marko Liias, Representative Jamie Pederson, Representative Jeannie Darneille, Senator Ed Murray, and City Council Members Sally Clark and Tim Burgess. We are thrilled to have bipartisan support for maintaining and increasing current HIV/AIDS funding in Washington state. Over the next few weeks, we look forward to seeing how the budget is balanced, and are optimistic that our efforts will be effective in protecting crucial funding for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Thanks,

David Richart

UPCOMING LIFELONG AIDS ALLIANCE EVENTS:

The Sweet 16^th Season of Gay Bingo is just beginning! You still have five chances to be part of the wildest fundraising event in Seattle. Whether you’re a Gay Bingo veteran or a newbie, this event is fun for everyone 21 and over. The remaining Gay Bingo season schedule:

• · February 21- The Love Boat Gay Bingo: Come A’Board, We’re Expecting You
• · March 28- Over the Top Circus Gay Bingo: The Greatest Bingo on Earth
• · April 18- Gay Paris Bingo: J’adore Gay Bingo
• · May 16- Bling Bling Bingo: Diamonds are Gay Bingo’s Best Friend
• · June 13- Adam and Steve Gay Bingo: My Big Fat Gay Wedding

Tickets are on sale now and selling out quickly! To buy tickets, please email gaybingo@llaa.org, or call the Gay Bingo hotline at 206.323.0069.

The Sweet 16^th Gay Bingo Season is presented by MOMS Pharmacy. Special thanks to Gay Bingo sponsors: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Pyramid Beer, MOViN 92.5 and the Seattle Weekly.

The 5^th Annual Black Tie Bingo: Join us on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Grand Hyatt Seattle for Lifelong’s signature gala event. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the evening includes a decadent dinner, lavish prize packages and spectacular surprises all night long! Special guest celebrity Reichen Lehmkuhl joins us for the evening. For more information, click here.

Special thanks to the 5^th Annual Black Tie Bingo sponsors: MOMS Pharmacy, Alaska Airlines, BECU, Sound Community Bank, the Mountain103.7 F.M, the Seattle Weekly, and the Baltic Room.

Dining Out For Life: Save the date for the 16^th Annual Dining Out For Life on Thursday, April 30, 2009. When you dine out at participating restaurants on this day, 30% of the proceeds are donated back to Lifelong AIDS Alliance.

COMMUNITY UPDATE:

Ongoing: Whole Foods Market Westlake www.wholefoodsmarket.com/westlake donates 10-cents to Chicken Soup Brigade for every customer who opts for a re-useable bag instead of traditional grocery bags.

Wednesday Evenings: From 4:00 p.m. until close on Wednesday evenings Navya Lounge (1333 5^th Ave in Seattle) www.navyalounge.com will donate a portion of their happy hour proceeds to Lifelong AIDS Alliance.

Mondays through March 2, 2009: On Monday evenings, Pizza Fusion, a fresh and organic new pizza restaurant in Capitol Hill, will donate 10% of their dinner sales back to Lifelong AIDS Alliance. With this deal, eating organic not only benefits the world and your body, but also helps fund Lifelong’s vital care programs!

Monday February 23, 2009: From 5:00-10:00 p.m, Pizza Fusion is hosting Mystical Pizza Night. Your $20 ticket gets you delicious and organic pizza, salad, desert and non-alcoholic beverage, and a special psychic reading. Tickets are available at the Lifelong Thrift Store. $5 from each ticket will be donated back to Lifelong AIDS Alliance.