The donation came last year from an acquaintance in New York City who Christopher Thomas Hongosh had only previously met twice while country line-dancing. It was, ultimately, the largest donation Hongosh received in his Ride For AIDS Chicago ( RFAC ) fundraising campaign, but it was the message—not just the money—that truly meant the most to Hongosh.
The donor wrote about his life, about contracting HIV 24 years earlier, at a time when many diagnosed as HIV-positive were dying, and how he thought his days were numbered.
He simply thanked Hongosh for his efforts.
Hongosh, 27, who lives in East Lakeview, is back for his second RFAC this summer.
" [ The Ride ] is challenging for everyone," Hongosh said. "You ride at your level, no pressure—15 miles, rest, 15 miles, rest, 15 miles, [ continuing ] for two days and [ a total of ] 200 miles. You have all day and the support of [ hundreds of ] people on the road with you, plus all your friends and family cheering you on. It's cool to look at a map and think I rode that on my bike."
Hongosh has been living in Chicago for about two years.
"The [ 2011 ] Ride was amazing," Hongosh said. "From the first time meeting [ the other ] riders to the post-ride celebrations, it's a great experience with amazing people. I was particularly shocked by how many riders participated in 2011 and the various skill levels."
The RFAC is a two-day, 200-mile bicycling event produced by the Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) of Chicago to raise needed monies for TPAN and select community partners. Riders are required to raise a minimum of $1,000 and crew members are encouraged to raise $500, but are not required to. The Ride For AIDS Chicago returns 100 percent of its pledges to the beneficiaries.
Hongosh said his favorite RFAC story last year was just hearing what people thought of him after joining the event, including those who had a crush on him, he said. "Everyone wants to know how far they have to ride to get an ass like mine," he added with a smile.
Hongosh said his goal for the 2012 RFAC is to raise $3,333.
"Being a co-captain on Team TPAN, I've taken the lead with fundraising and I am aiming to get more of my generation involved with charitable giving through social events they partake in," Hongosh said. "I had [ more than ] 120 people come out to DS Tequila [ in Lakeview ] on March 29 [ for a fundraiser when ] DS [ donated ] 20 percent of sales to Team TPAN." The event featured three DJs, and raised bout $3,000.
"I have lost one friend to HIV complications; he was 24. I ride for everyone, especially those who live with the stigma," Hongosh said. "I think people respect you more and can justify donations when you put your heart into it and earn it. Climbing on [ a ] bike, or putting on running shoes, says I believe in something so much that I would give life and limb to do it. Everyone should give back. If you're blessed with riches, share; if you're blessed with two hands and free time, volunteer; and if you can only afford to be gracious; then say 'please' and 'thank you.'"
Hongosh said the RFAC is simply a way to help and, he admits, that's his nature. He is, after all, a life-long restaurant server.
"I would like to encourage people to get involved with a HIV vaccine study in our own backyard, at UIC, called Project WISH," Hongosh said. "Their funding has tripled since I started two years ago. I was 12th person to be eligible and receive the vaccine, and I just completed my last check-up in March after two years. You can check www.chicagoaids.org for more info.
"Also, think about National Institute of Health's campaign, [ called, ] Be The Generation. Be the generation when there is an end to HIV. Be educated [ about HIV because ] a lot of kids are contracting the disease in alarming rates. Know how it's transmitted, know your partner, and know one slip is all it takes. Have you ever asked someone positive how it really is?"
