Arts & Culture

Syracuse Stage patrons give record-breaking contribution to organizations assisting those struggling with HIV/AIDS

Tuesday, February 9, 2010, By News Staff

This past holiday season, during the productions “Little Women” and “This Wonderful Life,” Syracuse Stage patrons donated a record-breaking contribution to organizations assisting those struggling with HIV/AIDS. The sum totals $25,236, compared to a previous high of $19,840 during the 2008 holiday season. Over 16 years of giving, Syracuse Stage audiences have contributed $223,304 to local and national organizations.

“It is fantastic that so many people were able to give in these difficult economic times to such an important cause,” says Stage Producing Artistic Director Timothy Bond. “Thank you, Central New York!”

This year’s contribution will be divided equally among the DePalmer House in Syracuse, SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Pediatric Designated AIDS Center and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The appeal for donations was led by four equity actors. Following performances of “Little Women” in the Archbold Theatre, equity actors David Studwell, Sandra Karas and Joseph Whelan encouraged audiences to contribute. Actor James Leaming in “This Wonderful Life” led the appeal following his one-man show in the Storch Theatre.

The DePalmer House provides transitional housing for homeless persons living with HIV/AIDS. Opened in 1994, the house is named for Reinaldo DePalmer, former adjunct faculty member in dance for SU’s Department of Drama.

Since 1990, SUNY Upstate Medical University’s Pediatric Designated AIDS Center has provided psychosocial and emotional support for nearly 400 children from 17 counties. The center specializes in aiding and training families in their ability to cope with the disease, its complications and its implications, offering several annual events to promote a strong social support network among families and patients.

Founded in 1988, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS seeks to raise funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding, the organization has raised approximately $140 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS and HIV or HIV-related illnesses.