A few months ago, we reported on Jennifer Rikkers' AIDS Walk Africa with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Rikkers is scheduled to walk 50 miles in four days, beginning July 1. Her journey will take her through orphanages, hospitals and clinics in the Swaziland region of Africa, where the majority of the world's people with HIV/AIDS now live.
To qualify for the program, Rikkers had to commit to raising $15,000. She also had to make a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 for all in-country travel expenses, lodging and meals during the walk.
On April 28, Rikkers happily reported that she is in "the home stretch," having raised over $8,200.
"I am over half way to my goal of $15,000 ... and believe I will reach my goal," she said.
Pizza Hut in Monroe will help Rikkers by holding a benefit buffet for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 20.
But Rikkers is not letting others do her fundraising for her.
She has put together a large, private fundraising event this weekend, with an open invitation for invitees to bring friends and family.
The band, Clear Blue Betty, featuring Beth Kille, will be playing at the event. The band won Entertainer of the Year, Best Rock Artist, and Best Rock Album Write Your Name in the Sky, at the 2007 Madison Area Music Awards.
Rikkers also set up a great silent auction with many items, such as paintings, jewelry and pottery from many artists, including Rikkers. Judging from the paintings hanging in her home, Rikkers is a natural-born artist.
Local businesses are also offering items for the auction.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation provides care and treatment worldwide for people with HIV and AIDS. The foundation is particularly focused on eradicating pediatric AIDS.
To make a personal donation to Rikker's EGPAF AIDS Walk Africa, visit her donation page at http://AWA2008.kintera.org. You will find Jennifer Rikkers' name on the right in a box listing the top five fundraisers. Her name is a link to her personal fundraising page - where you can make a donation and watch the chart inch toward her goal.
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A new heating and cooling business has opened in Monroe. Chandler Heating and Cooling, owned by Doug Chandler, held its grand opening May 1.
To qualify for the program, Rikkers had to commit to raising $15,000. She also had to make a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 for all in-country travel expenses, lodging and meals during the walk.
On April 28, Rikkers happily reported that she is in "the home stretch," having raised over $8,200.
"I am over half way to my goal of $15,000 ... and believe I will reach my goal," she said.
Pizza Hut in Monroe will help Rikkers by holding a benefit buffet for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 20.
But Rikkers is not letting others do her fundraising for her.
She has put together a large, private fundraising event this weekend, with an open invitation for invitees to bring friends and family.
The band, Clear Blue Betty, featuring Beth Kille, will be playing at the event. The band won Entertainer of the Year, Best Rock Artist, and Best Rock Album Write Your Name in the Sky, at the 2007 Madison Area Music Awards.
Rikkers also set up a great silent auction with many items, such as paintings, jewelry and pottery from many artists, including Rikkers. Judging from the paintings hanging in her home, Rikkers is a natural-born artist.
Local businesses are also offering items for the auction.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation provides care and treatment worldwide for people with HIV and AIDS. The foundation is particularly focused on eradicating pediatric AIDS.
To make a personal donation to Rikker's EGPAF AIDS Walk Africa, visit her donation page at http://AWA2008.kintera.org. You will find Jennifer Rikkers' name on the right in a box listing the top five fundraisers. Her name is a link to her personal fundraising page - where you can make a donation and watch the chart inch toward her goal.
• • •
A new heating and cooling business has opened in Monroe. Chandler Heating and Cooling, owned by Doug Chandler, held its grand opening May 1.