The Campbell Foundation
Helping Make HIV/AIDS History Since 1995

Dec. 16, 2024 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Fourteen Florida-based nonprofit organizations serving the HIV/AIDS community are getting an end-of-the-year gift from The Campbell Foundation.

 

The Fort Lauderdale-based organization, which funds HIV/AIDS research around the globe, has awarded $3,000 in grants for the nonprofits to use as they see fit.

 

“This is our 29th year of providing what we like to refer to as “Holiday Hugs” to those nonprofits that serve those living with HIV/AIDS and their families,” says the Foundation’s Executive Director Ken Rapkin. “From food and shelter to HIV and STI testing to a variety of other resources, these nonprofits serve a niche that often doesn’t get the funding they need.”

 

Many of those organizations struggle toward the end of the year as budgets sometimes don’t stretch that far. The funding helps to make the season a little brighter for many of The Campbell Foundation’s partner organizations.

 

“Funds from The Campbell Foundation will be instrumental in allowing the agency to provide gifts for the client’s families as well as ensure each family will have food and necessities for a holiday meal,” said Rob Renzi CEO of Big Bend Cares/Care Point in Tallahassee. “These types of services are not allowable under the current funding sources and these funds from The Campbell Foundation make a huge difference in the lives of our clients,”

 

Joy Winheim, president of Epic/Empath Health, which serves the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, noted that those living with HIV/AIDS often face food insecurity and the holiday season only adds to their stress.

 

“Your contribution comes at a critical time, offering relief and hope when it is needed most. Thanks to your Holiday Hug program, we can bring added comfort and stability to our clients. Thank you for standing with us and those we serve,” Winheim said.

 

Thomas Pietrogallo, executive director of the Poverello Center in Wilton Manors which serves 2,500 people with HIV, concurred.

 

"The holiday hug from The Campbell Foundation is that hug for that one person who finds this time of year difficult. It says, 'we’re with you, you’re not alone through this, and we love you'. “

 

Four of the organizations that received funds are eligible to receive matching funds from the Florida AIDS Walk which takes place in March from AIDS Healthcare Foundations, allowing these donations to go twice as far. They are: Broward House, Latinos Salud, Pride Center and SunServe.

 

AH Monroe, Key West

BASIC NWFL, Panama City Beach

Big Bend Cares, Tallahassee

Broward House, Fort Lauderdale

Care Resource Center, Miami

Compass, West Palm Beach

Comprehensive Care Center, Fort Lauderdale

EPIC/Empath Health Care, Pinellas County

Found Care, Palm Beach

Latinos Salud, Wilton Manors

Oasis, Fort Walton Beach

Poverello, Wilton Manors

Pride Center of Fort Lauderdale

SunServe, Wilton Manors

 

Compass LGBT Community Center in West Palm Beach provides essential support and resources to the HIV/AIDS community.

 

“This partnership strengthens our commitment to fostering a healthier, more inclusive community by offering life-saving care, advocacy, and services that empower individuals to live with dignity and hope,” said its Executive Director Julie Seaver.

 

The Campbell Foundation will celebrate 30 years of helping to make HIV/AIDS history in 2025. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $12 million in research grants and $1.5 million in direct support grants. More info can be found on our website: www.campbellfoundation.net