For the last four years, World AIDS Day has been commemorated by a concert benefit that helps children with HIV and AIDS. On December 11th, 2006, I attended the World AIDS Day Concert, featuring the musical "Rags," which benefited the Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation. "Rags" features music by Tony Award-winner Charles Strouse ("Annie", "Bye Bye Birdie") and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award-Winner Stephen Schwartz (Disney's "Hunchback of Notre Dame", "Pocahontas", "Wicked") and a book by Joseph Stein ("Fiddler on the Roof", "Zorba"). The event was a tremendous, moving, and beautiful success.
Founded 10 years ago, the Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of young people with HIV/AIDS. The primary program that this event benefits is a camp, Camp TLC (Teens Living a Challenge), where inner city teens with HIV/AIDS spend a week. The event began with a short film demonstrating what the kids do at the camp, which effectively demonstrates how rewarding the time spent at camp is for them. Part of the time spent at the camp is a memorial service for the family and friends of the children who have already lost their fight against this disease.
Most of these children live in group homes, having lost one or both parents to AIDS. Many admit they feel a strain to keep their disease secret. I was granted the privilege to meet some of these kids, which was moving beyond words. Witnessing their struggle and determination is inspiring, but also sobering and a reminder of the need for attention to this serious topic.
Jamie McGonnigal, the co-founding artistic producer (along with Kate Shindle), has worked very hard for this wonderful charity. The event and the children it helps inspired me to get more involved with this very worthwhile cause. Support of the foundation is invaluable, and those wishing to donate can do so at www.jdaf.org.
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(Photos by Maryann Lopinto, text by Corine Cohen)
