Tag Archives: AIDS Action Committee

2012 Taste of the South End

Posted on March 7, 2012 | 1 comment

You know how much I enjoy my food so the fact that I look forward to the Taste of the South End each year will not be a shock.  The event draws 40 restaurants from the neighborhood and consistently sells out. The proceeds go to the very worthy AIDS Action Committee.

The event includes plenty to eat and drink with more than a dozen different wines to sample.  Sam Adams was the brewer on hand this year and they were featuring their new cider, Angry Orchard.  If you like cider, its worth the try.  The VIP lounge which traditionally includes a specialty bar, restaurants from outside the South End and comfortable seating did not disappoint.  Restaurants in the VIP lounge included: Jasper White’s Summer Shack, Cambridge favorite – Upstairs on the Square and The Ritz Carlton’s – Artisan’s Bistro.  Below is a video that I created for AIDS Action Committee

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Dining, South End, Video

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Taste of the South End: March 6, 2012

Posted on February 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

Next Tuesday is the Taste of the South End.  This event which draws 40 of the neighborhood’s restaurants and cafes to showcase some of their favorite bites and more than a few cocktails is an absolute must for Foodies. The fact that the money raised helps the AIDS Action Committee is a bonus.

As with years past, I’ll be in attendance; no doubt overeating and loving every minute of this very friendly and highly social event.  Several new restaurants will be joining the event for the first time, but I’m most interested in sampling the food from Cinquecento the new restaurant from The Aquitaine Group which will open this spring in the space previously occupied by Rocca.

Buy your tickets here

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Dining, South End

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BosGuy: A man about town

Posted on December 8, 2011 | 6 comments

Today I was sent this picture of the BF and me when we attended the AIDS Action fundraiser earlier this fall called ARTcetera.  It was a fantastic evening.

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Art & Film

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World AIDS Day, 1-December

Posted on December 1, 2011 | 1 comment

Today is World AIDS Day.  Acknowledged in nearly every nation, this day draws attention to the fact that AIDS is still very present.  Now 30-years old, HIV / AIDS is no longer the death warrant it was when it first appeared and was referred to as a “Gay Cancer”.

  • Despite progress that has been made in educating the public here in the US and globally, the United Nations estimates that a jaw dropping 33 million people live with HIV / AIDS
  • AIDS has killed more than 25 million people and more than 580,000 Americans.  This ranks AIDS with malaria and tuberculosis as one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world
  • More than 15 million children have been orphaned by HIV
  • In the US more 1.1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS and the CDC estimates 20%  (220,000 people) do not know they are HIV+

The Boston Living Center will be hosting a World AIDS Day celebration, lighting the Prudential Tower red.  Today’s ceremony will occur in the center of the mall near the customer service desk in the atrium and will run from 4:30 – 6:00pm.  You can read more about the program on the event facebook page.

Contact your local AIDS Service Organization (ASO) to volunteer or make a donation.  New England has several worthwhile ASOs but I prefer to donate to the AIDS Action Committee of MA.

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Health

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ARTcetera 2011

Posted on October 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

Every weekend in the fall there are large fundraising events but ARTcetera an event which raises funds for the AIDS Action Committee (AAC) always stands out.  The event started in the 1980s as a way for local artists and gallery owners to respond to the AIDS crisis which was ravaging the Boston arts community, and over the years it has developed into one of the largest art auctions in all of New England.

The charity fundraiser which was traditionally held in October on even numbered years took a temporary hiatus in 2010 so the AAC could rethink the program and breathe new life into the event.  Bryan Rafanelli and his events team did a beautiful job transforming The Castle and the new venue was a welcome change.

Below is a quick 3-minute video from the event which sold out and drew a record crowd of 800 supporters and art enthusiasts. ARTcetera 2011 is expected to raise more than $700,000 for the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Expand to full-screen for best viewing.

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Posted in AIDS Action Committee, Art & Film, Gay, Philanthropy

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Boston Pridelights 2011

Posted on June 8, 2011 | 1 comment

Pridelights in Boston always occurs on the Tuesday of Pride week. It use to be a huge community event that was staged on Tremont Street in the middle of the South End, but a few years back the venue changed and it is now hosted at Club Cafe.

The change of venue saved the event because cost and changes to the plaza that traditionally hosted it had became prohibitive, but the trade off means the event is a fraction of its former size. This year’s Pridelights was filled with a series of performances from Boston’s drag community. The crowd which interestingly attracts a wide demographic seemed to enjoy the event. For me the highlight was seeing a few friends that I know socially and spending time with fellow blogger and twitter-friend, Lenny. You can check out his blog, itzLenny or say hello to him on twitter, Product19.

Here are a few photos from tonight’s Pridelights at Club Cafe Boston.


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AIDS Walk Boston – Sunday June 5th

Posted on June 3, 2011 | 1 comment

AIDS is the leading cause of death for people in MA (ages of 25-44)
Thank goodness for The AIDS Action Committee which hosts AIDS Walk Boston each year. Its too easy to forget and sometimes too uncomfortable to remember the legacy of AIDS. Its like an ugly blemish you want to hide and forget about. In the 80s while tens of thousands of people were afflicted with AIDS / HIV our government was too squeamish to provide either the support services or educate people on how to protect themselves. Now some 30 years later we know better but AIDS remains and continues to spread. Betty Byrnes a long time AIDS activist and mother reminds us why its important and how we can help make a difference.

If you can not join the 30,000+ who will join in the walk through Boston, Brookline and Cambridge on Sunday morning, won’t you consider sponsoring a walker or making an independent donation to the organization? You can set up your own page in just moments or make a donation here.

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Taste of the South End 2011

Posted on March 9, 2011 | 4 comments

Last week I first wrote about the Taste of the South End which benefits the AIDS Action Committee, and the event did not disappoint. Although there were no beads or parades to commemorate Fat Tuesday, nearly all who attended left a bit fatter than when they first arrived. And how could you blame them? With 40+ restaurants, wineries, beers and cocktails all tempting the tastebuds it was a food lover’s delight.

Restaurants new to the neighborhood like The Gallows and Noche kept pace with veteran establishments like Mistral and Stella. There were some noticeable absences, which will lead me to ask “Why?” on my next visit to these restaurants. You can see the full list of participants on the Taste website. Support these restaurants and thank them for their participation.

If you were unable to attend the festivities, you can check out this 2-minute video, which shows you some of the tempting treats cooked up for attendees. Again, sincere thanks to all the cooks and volunteers who made this a fantastic event.

The Boston Foodie also has a nice write up with more pictures from the event which you can check out by linking here.

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Posted in Philanthropy, Video

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Taste of the South End – March 8, 2011

Posted on February 27, 2011 | 4 comments

In just a few days one of my favorite charity events in Boston will take place, The Taste of the South End. As the name implies this is one of the city’s many charitable fundraisers that revolves around food, but I think this is one of the best organized taste events, and the fact that the proceeds benefit such a wonderful organization, The AIDS Action Committee (AAC) is really a bonus. In addition to the participation of 40+ neighborhood restaurants, local chefs provide cooking tips and demonstrations. If you really enjoy food and dining out this event gives you an opportunity to sample some of the fare offered at some of the city’s best restaurants. While it won’t confirm if a restaurant has great service it does give you a preview of the type and quality food the establishment serves. If you arrive early with a VIP pass like I do each year, you also can chat with the chefs present before the event becomes truly crowded.

Below, I’ve included a two minute video from the 2009 event. It provides a quick preview of what one can expect on March 8th and closes with a shot of your’s truly stuffing his face with a fish taco.

Purchase your tickets here

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December 1st is World AIDS Day

Posted on November 30, 2010 | 3 comments


More than 25 million people have died from AIDS and there are more than 30 million people living with AIDS right now. Reach out to your local AIDS Service Organization and donate your time or money and thank them for their work and dedication. If you live in Boston check out my favorite ASO: The AIDS Action Committee of MA.

Wednesday, December 1st is World AIDS Day

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Acne Drug Keeps HIV Dormant

Posted on March 25, 2010 | Leave a comment
Not sure how new this news is, but I had not heard about a breakthrough in AIDS research which found that a common acne drug first used in the 1970s can keep HIV dormant.  I first read about this in Brenton’s popular blog, Aussielicious this morning.  And after a bit of searching on Google, I found that this study was actively being discussed back in 2008 at the XVII International AIDS Conference.

As Brenton says in his blog, any advancement that can help prevent the spread of or help improve the quality of life of those impacted by this virus is good news. If you’d like to learn more there is a brief (1 minute) video of Dr. Janice Clements explaining what the acne drug minocycline does to the virus here.

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Posted on March 10, 2010 | Leave a comment
Photos from last night’s Taste of the South End.
Take a peek – there is no weight gain if you only look.

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow:

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Taste of the South End – buy your tickets

Posted on March 8, 2010 | Leave a comment
The Taste of the South End is TUESDAY! Get your tickets online so you too can enjoy the more than 40+ restaurants who will be participating this year.  The thing I love about this tasting is that it is so social and because it is not massive you can sample all sorts of great foods without wading 8-10 people deep at each food station. Be sure to purchase your tickets online – HERE.

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The lion sings tonight

Posted on February 18, 2010 | Leave a comment
On Monday, March 1st at 7:00pm the cast of Disney’s Lion King will be performing at Club Cafe in Boston. Tickets cost $25.00 and all proceeds will go to benefit The AIDS Action Committee of MA.  You can purchase tickets online HERE.
Rumor has it that Verna Turbulence (drag queen extraordinaire) will be hosting the program “The Lion Sings Tonight” so in addition to raising money for a very worthwhile charity, having fun singing along (or like me just listening), and laughing at Verna’s course sense of humor – it is sure to be far more interesting than your typical Monday night.  Fight off the winter blues by warming up with friends at the Club Cafe benefit for the AIDS Action Committee of MA.

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Taste of the South End – March 9, 2010

Posted on February 16, 2010 | Leave a comment
Attention all foodies… The annual Taste of the South End is fast approaching so mark your calendars and purchase your tickets.  This year’s program will draw 45 of the neighborhoods’ restaurants to the BCA so you can sample delicious culinary creations that will leave your mouth watering.  Even better, by participating you will be supporting a very worthwhile local charity that is near and dear to my heart, The AIDS Action Committee.
To stay up to date on what is happening you can follow the Taste of the South End on Twitter. To see what the event is all about you can view the photos from last years event, by linking here.

Be sure to purchase your tickets online – HERE.

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