Testimonials
North Carolina AIDS Action Network
“Funding and support from the Crape Myrtle Festival helps support the NC AIDS Action Network’s policy and advocacy work to advocate for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and other important measures to support those living with HIV and increase access to PrEP. CMF support helps put on HIV Speaks on Jones Street, an annual day where we bring advocates from across the state to the General Assembly to share their stories with legislators. CMF has helped foster a strong community of advocates and citizens in the triangle and across the state, and we’re thankful for their commitment and support.”
Lee Storrow
Former Executive Director
North Carolina AIDS Action Network
LGBT Center of Raleigh
“Early in my tenure at the LGBT Center, we were still struggling to prove ourselves to the greater Triangle. People would ask, ‘Why do we need a Center? We should be focused on policy and legal wins!’ And every time, I would have to respond, ‘Yes. Absolutely. But we must also focus on the people who are under assault daily.’ Our Center stands as a safe and welcoming place where people can find the immediate help they need. There are tons of issues in our community like homelessness, health care, HIV, stigma…. I could go on. But we stand here ready to answer those questions. The Crape Myrtle Festival has been a godsend for this community in this respect. Not only do they fund-raise for a variety of issues our community faces, but they engage in the process of education. The funds they raise take a small burden off organizations like the LGBT Center so that we can fully commit to doing the work on the ground. I think that most importantly, Crape Myrtle Festival is filled with the energy and passion of hundreds (thousands over the years probably) of volunteers willing to make our world better for everyone. That impact should never go unnoticed.”
James Miller
Former Executive Director
LGBT Center of Raleigh
Alliance of AIDS Services – Carolina
“CMF has played a vital role in the relaunch of the Alliance, small Community-Based Agencies like the Alliance operate on a shoestring budget. We have several programs that are not funded, everything from support groups to our food pantry. These programs would not be possible without the support of organizations like CMF. Thanks to CMF we are able to operate our Food Pantry and provide over 12 tons of food a year to nearly 200 individuals who are low income and many of whom are living with HIV. CMF not only provides financial support, but CMF volunteers help in a wide range of capacities at our agency.”
Hector Salgado, MS
Former Executive Director
Alliance of AIDS Services Carolina
El Centro Hispaño
“El Centro Hispaño has been able to reach out to the Latino GLBT community in several ways because of the support we have received from Crape Myrtle Festival. Entre Amigos acts as a support group and an outlet for social educational issues. It is through the success of this group and the continued support of the CMF that we are able to start another similar program to support the GLBT community. We are excited to announce a new part-time position that will focus on health education outreach programs and workshops for the Latino GLBT community. We appreciate the continued support of CMF.”
Leslie deRosset
Program Coordinator
El Centro Hispaño
Duke HIV/AIDS Policy Clinic
“The Crape Myrtle Festival was one of the first grantors to provide funding to the Duke Health Justice Clinic (formerly the Duke AIDS Legal Project) when the Legal Project began in 1996. The Duke Health Justice Clinic (DHJC) started with a mission of providing high-quality legal representation to low-income persons living with HIV in North Carolina. That mission has expanded to include policy advocacy aimed at ending the HIV epidemic in the US South. Since 1996, DHJC has, with the help of CMF, provided legal help to persons living with HIV in discrimination and breach of confidentiality cases, estate and guardianship planning, and benefits advocacy. We have represented literally thousands of clients since opening twenty-three years ago. Especially in the early years, DHJC raised its budget through individual gifts and smaller grants. CMF’s early support was critical and was used to leverage additional funding for the work. During our long partnership with CMF, we have valued the hard work of CMF volunteers as they work to raise the money each year to continue funding community organizations focused on HIV and LGBTQ work. DHJC is proud to be a partner with CMF in fighting HIV in our region and we are immensely grateful for its consistent support.”