by lance perkins community spotlight
LONG BEAcH AIDS FOOD STORE:
JAYSUN HOWELL
A 56-year-old IBM software consultant, originally from Hartford, Connecticut, ministrative assistance to me during planning and execution of my fundraising
JaySun Howell has lived in and currently travels to different locations for his activities, especially with my travel schedule.”
job all over the country. In 1990 he was living in New York City when the AIDS With the bad economy everyone has cut back. The donors for the store run the
epidemic first broke out. JaySun elaborates, “I was pretty much at ground zero gamut; some comes from the congregation, local food banks such as Los Angeles
for AIDS. But through all of my antics and boyfriends at the time, I still remained food bank, grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants. JaySun explains, “The number
negative. Unfortunately my best friend was not so lucky and passed away from of people we serve is going up while the number of donations is going down. So
complications of AIDS in 1990. I thought to myself, this is where I need to channel we struggle and have fundraising events. But everyone is holding onto their extra
my energies and this is where I can give back. I’ve been blessed by not becom- dollars.” On Saturday, October 3, AIDS Food Bank is organizing “A Day in Paradise
ing HIV-positive and this is my way of giving back. From that point on I became 2,” an annual fundraiser at Paradise Piano Bar and Restaurant. “The first event
involved as a volunteer.” came about by talking last year to Eric Davis at Paradise and my partner Thomas
Howell moved to California in 1995 and in 2003 he began attending Christ Whelan. We thought it would be a good idea.” Last year’s event was a week long
Chapel in Long Beach where he first heard about the Long Beach Food Store celebration highlighted by proclamations from Mayor Foster and the city council,
that has been distributing food in area for over 25 years. At the time, JaySun was raffle prizes including a Moto Brava Scooter and hotel stays at Marriott’s Desert
a member of the Black and White Men Together group. First taking a place on the Springs Resort in Palm Desert raising thousands of dollars for AIDS Food Store.
board, then he became a co-chairperson. The group had a convention in Long “This year will be slightly tamer but every bit as fun!” Howell said. The event will
Beach and hosted a fundraiser on behalf of the Food Store at what was then Mick feature several entertainers, including hostess and entertainer Nikki Coldwater.
and Mack’s (now Hamburger Mary’s). The day begins with a pancake breakfast from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. featuring
“We raised a lot of money and I thought, ‘I can do this!’” After leaving the men’s the fabulous Jewels and special guests. Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at
group, he started volunteering on Saturdays. JaySun continues, “Since the begin- midnight, featuring the legendary Rudy de la Mor. World entertainer Cynthia
ning, my primary responsibly has been community relations, getting the word Manley and her band will perform from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
out about the food store and of course fundraising.” 20 percent of all food sales goes to the Food Store. During the evening there will
As part of Howell’s fundraising activities for AIDS Food Store, he has been the be raffle prizes, including two domestic tickets on American Airlines, a 42-inch flat
flag coordinator for the giant Pride flag that Christ Chapel of Long Beach carries screen LCD TV with a Wii video game console, a two-night stay at the San Diego
along the parade route for Long Beach Pride. JaySun’s responsibilities include Park Manor Hotel and a dinner at The Inn downstairs. Even a pair of tickets to Barry
gathering the 80 volunteers it takes to carry the flag along the parade route. The Manilow at The Hollywood Bowl. JaySun adds, “Last year we sold out for breakfast
Food Store collects on average $4,500 from people throwing money into the flag and dinner, so this year dinner reservations are required.”
along the parade route. Jaysun has served as captain of the Christ Chapel/AIDS For information contact JaySun Howell at 562.787.5779 or jaysun@aidsfood-
Food Store Long Beach AIDS Walk Team for the last two years.
store.org. The AIDS Food Store can be reached at 562.434.3425 or by visiting aids-
JaySun adds, “I thank Margo Martinez—food store secretary and board
foodstore.org. For the pancake breakfast information and dinner reservations,
member—and my partner Thomas Whelan who both provide invaluable ad- contact Eric Davis at 562.590.8773 or
paradisepianobar.com.
september 2009 | RAGE monthly 9
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