AIDS Legal Council of Chicago and Windy City Times join to Recognize Local HIV Advocates
CHICAGO - The AIDS Legal Council of Chicago and Windy City Times are inviting members of the public to submit nominations for the 2011 Advocates of the Year Awards, part of a new partnership to honor outstanding individuals who are making a difference locally in the fight against HIV.
First started in 1994, the Awards recognize individuals and organizations for their accomplishments in advocacy, health care, case management, prevention and other areas of impact to people with HIV. Explains ALCC Executive Director, Ann Hilton Fisher: "Many of these men and women are unsung heroes who have dedicated their lives to improving the quality of life of people in need. Whether they are civic leaders, activists, doctors, nurses, case managers or volunteers, they all share a common goal: to bring health, stability, dignity and justice to those living with HIV. We are proud to pay tribute to them as our Advocates of the Year."
"We are honored to partner with ALCC on this project," said Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim. "It is nearly 30 years since The New York Times first reported on what would later become known as AIDS. There are untold numbers of heroes who have helped Chicago face this epidemic, and it is important to recognize some of their efforts through this annual award."
Since it was first introduced 17 years ago, nearly 65 individuals and organizations in Illinois have been selected for the Advocates of the Year Award. Recipients are chosen annually by a committee of previous honorees, a representative from the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago and, starting this year, a representative from Windy City Times. "As a vital community voice for 25 years," says ALCC Board President Charlie Wintersteen, "Windy City Times witnessed firsthand the impact and evolution of the AIDS epidemic and provided unparalleled coverage during the early years of the crisis. We are deeply honored that they are joining us in recognizing those who are on the frontlines of the epidemic and have made it their life's work to help those with HIV."
If you would like to pay tribute to someone who is an outstanding advocate for people with HIV or provides exceptional care or services to those impacted by the disease, please submit a letter to the Advocates of the Year Awards Selection Committee along with two ( 2 ) letters of support by Friday, December 17, 2010. We recommend visiting www.aidslegal.com for complete submission guidelines, or calling Ricardo Cifuentes at ( 312 ) 427-8990 to receive a copy of the forms and instructions by mail. Submissions may be sent by fax at ( 312 ) 427-8419 or by mail to: Advocates of the Year Awards Selection Committee, c/o AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, 180 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2110, Chicago, IL 60601. Winners will be announced in late January 2011.