L-R: F.T. Burden, president and CEO, AITS/Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc., and David J. Currey, chairman of the Board, AIRS. Photo Credit: Olivier Rousset. Report and interview by Ibrahim Dabo.
While actors Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin were busy hosting the much-anticipated 82nd Academy Awards ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, with actress Mo’Nique representing her native Baltimore by winning the Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Oscar Night America party in Baltimore, Maryland was also set for what was a great evening.
Oscar Night® America (ONA) is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ grassroots program that enables charities to host glamorous fund-raising parties across the U.S.
AIRS hosted its 9th Annual Oscar Night Baltimore Gala at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center.
AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc. (AIRS) hosted its 9th Annual Oscar Night Baltimore Gala – one of the 50 nationally sanctioned Oscar Nights Parties – at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on March 7, 2010.
The theme for this year’s black-tie gala was “A Night at the Movies”.
A crowd of screaming fans lined the red carpet runway to enthusiastically welcome guests who made their way through to what is considered as “one of the most beautiful monumental buildings in the nation.”
The atmosphere at the open bar reception, which got the night to a momentous start, was enjoyable and electric as guests mix and mingled, and exchanged interesting comments about who the eventual big prize winners would be at the Oscars Awards ceremony.
The mission of AIRS is to provide “comprehensive supportive housing services to enhance quality of life, emphasizing self-sufficiency for low-income and homeless individuals and families living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS of other disabilities.”
AIRS President and CEO F.T. Burden said his organization recognizes the power of housing for prevention and stability.
Serving more than 200 people a year, with an annual operating income of more than five million dollars, President and CEO of AIRS/Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc., F.T. Burden said the focus of the organization is to strategically work to help those who experience the greatest barriers to housing, a barrier that has consequently contributed to accelerating the HIV/AIDS virus.
“Having a safe and secure place to live is fundamental to the basic activities of daily living,” Burden said in his opening remarks.
“AIRS recognizes the power of housing for prevention and stability.”
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said there are more than 3,400 people experiencing homelessness in Baltimore every night, and more than 13,000 living with HIV/AIDS.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake presented the 2010 AIRS Urban Legend Award to Dr. Robert Redfield, co-founnder of the Institue of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine.
While commending AIRS for their work in the community and to foster human development, Mayor Rawlings-Blake said: “Baltimore City is pleased to partner with AIRS for the past decade and looks forward to working together throughout the next century.”
Mayor Rawlings-Blake presented the 2010 AIRS Urban Legend Award to Dr. Robert Redfield, co-founder of the Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Dr. Redfield was recognized for his contribution to end HIV/AIDS in Baltimore and throughout the world.
He was the first to demonstrate the heterosexual transmission of the HIV virus, and developed the first clinical staging system used around the world today.
Dr. Redfield originated efforts to examine viral replication and viral load at all stages of the disease. “On behalf of Baltimore City, we thank you Dr. Redfield,” Rawlings-Blake said.
Dorothea Townes, a former AIRS Consumer gave a touching testimony about her life and spoke about the instrumental role the organization played in supporting her through its housing program and other opportunities.
Debbie Rock moved the audience as she performed live.
“The incredible journey I am living has been filled with extreme high and low moments that led me to dark places where I was in a group of drug addiction, became homeless and contracted HIV,” Townes said.
She gave a detailed account about how her addiction to drug and alcohol started at a graduation party at the age of 18.
Ms. Townes said after more than three years in AIRS’ program for housing and support, she is now a homeowner - paying her mortgage, taxes and insurances, thanks to the organization that helped her turn things around.
“Dear audience,” said Townes courageously, “Mine is a story of homelessness to homeownership, of hopelessness to hope, of trial to triumph, and I am not finished yet. I still have tough days when I don’t know how to handle some things. I have to learn to ask for help.”
Townes said since she found out about her status four years ago, she has not missed a day of taking her medication.
She said she now finds herself playing a leadership role at the Carriage House—an AIRS transitional living program for youth—where she can relate to and advice youths on some of the decisions that can make to overcome their challenges.
L-R: Senator Catherine Pugh, Maryland General Assembly; and Ibrahim Dabo, Ib's Blog.
The latter part of the night was fun with the dinner – of course -, live auction, performances, and broadcast of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards as it happened from Los Angeles.
Attendees quickly paused to cheer as Mo’Nique stepped up to receive the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
In an exclusive interview with Ib’s Blog, President and CEO F.T. Burden said AIRS/Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc. has grown remarkably since it started as a grassroots organization 23 years ago.
L-R: F.T. Burden (President and CEO of AIRS/Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc.) and Ibrahim Dabo.
“The success story really comes from the success of the people that we serve,” Burden said.
“You heard tonight from a woman [Dorothea Townes] who is an example of the kinds of things that we see as it relates to the outcomes of the work that we do.
“We just believe that the housing that we provide is the stabilizing factor and once we can get that in place, we can then begin working with people to reach whatever goals they want to reach.”
Click on album below for event photos
Listen to interview with Mr. Burden
Also see:
· About Ibrahim | About Ib’s Blog | Testimonials | Ib’s Blog Home
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