Art for Aunt Rita's

About Aunt Rita's

Mission & Vision

VISION: To be the catalyst of HIV/AIDS awareness, education and support.

MISSION: In everything we do, we are dedicated to the elimination of, and suffering from, HIV and AIDS.

VALUES: Accountability, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Diversity, Collaboration, and Passion.

Since 2005 Aunt Rita's Foundation has operated in Phoenix, Arizona as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, but has a rich history dating back to the 1980's. In 1986 three individuals founded Aunt Rita’s Foundation in the beginning years of the epidemic. They saw in the mid 80’s a lack of resources and recognized something needed to be done, as they watched close friends die from the disease with nowhere to turn.

Randy Schrock, Gary Mangum and Skip O’Neill set on a humble quest to raise money in annual bake sales to provide relief for those living with, and dying from, AIDS. When federal government assistance through the Ryan White Care Act began in the early 1990's, funding became more plentiful and the need for Aunt Rita’s Foundation waned, and the final bake sale was held in 1996. In 2005, HIV/AIDS agencies came together and supported the return of Aunt Rita’s to help offset declining federal support.

Aunt Rita’s has come a long way since their bake sale days and has introduced fundraising events that have helped provide more than $1.5 million to 16 local HIV/AIDS Service Agencies since 2005.

Fundraising Events

AIDS Walk Arizona & 5k Run

AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run is the largest gathering in Arizona to support people living with HIV and raise community awareness. In its first year back it helped raise $175,000 and brought in over 3,000 participants. In the second year of the Walk Walgreens became the title sponsor of the event and introduced its Red Ribbon Campaign that helped the Walk surpass $300,000 in annual fundraising. The event is family-friendly and features Paws for the Cause, and Kids for the Cause. All proceeds benefit our 16 partner agencies.

RED Brunch

RED Brunch is Aunt Rita’s end-of-year gala featuring entertainment, topical presentations on Aunt Rita's education initiatives, and the annual Heart Awards. Held every year around World AIDS Day, the brunch features panels from the National AIDS Memorial Quilt and commemorates the lives of those who have lost their battle with the disease. Proceeds help to sustain Aunt Rita's Foundation and support our Project HIVAZ initiatives.

RED is the Night

Beginning in 2017 Aunt Rita's introduces RED is the Night that promises to be a night filled with fantastic entertainment. Local restaurants will offer their delectable food for dinner. All proceeds benefit our 16 partner agencies.

Art for Aunt Rita's

Also new in 2017 is the springtime Art for Aunt Rita's in the Gallery District of Scottsdale. This event will feature original art from participating artists and galleries in the Scottsdale Gallery District. Proceeds benefit Project HIVAZ to advance HIV education in the community.

SAVORLife

SAVORlife is Aunt Rita’s Do-It-Yourself fundraiser that allows supporters to hold their own fundraising events of any kind to raise money for our 16 partner agencies. (Information taken from Website - auntritas.org

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We Look Forward to being a part of this! We will be showing our artwork at Quantum Art and the Tilt Gallery on Main Street in Scottsdale. See you April 22nd!

Redwulf and Standing Feather