Countywide AIDS Support Campaign Starts Nov. 23

Now in its 22nd year, BizAid for AIDS was developed by Scott Roseman, co-owner of New Leaf Community Markets and Santa Cruz Aids Project (SCAP) as a way for businesses to support people in our community who are living with HIV.

Participating businesses commit a percentage of sales to SCAP during the ten days after Thanksgiving, from Nov. 23 through Dec. 2, or donate a specific amount. The campaign leads up to World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, which will be celebrated at Pacific Cultural Center, 1307 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz at 6 p.m.

SCAP, now part of Santa Cruz Community Counseling Center since July, 2012, provides critical support to people living with HIV/AIDS for free, including access to medical care, counseling and financial support. SCAP also conducts outreach to high-risk populations to prevent the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted diseases. The consolidation of the two organizations has enabled SCAP to focus on direct services including prevention outreach.

"There is still a great need in our community for the services we provide, and we are registering newly-diagnosed clients each month. As of June 30, 2012, there were 424 persons living with HIV/AIDS residing in Santa Cruz County,” said Patricia Castagnola, M.P.A., Director of Client Services at SCAP. “I can’t say enough about the extraordinary leadership New Leaf has provided for this important fundraising program. Their level of commitment over the years is amazing.” 

“BizAid for AIDs is a great way for our business community to come together to support a most worthy cause, and have a dramatic impact on what Santa Cruz AIDS Project can do to support those affected by HIV,” said Roseman.

Representatives from SCAP will be at New Leaf stores at various times during the campaign to talk about their services and the ongoing need for support for people living with HIV.  

New Leaf and other participating businesses will display a BizAid for AIDS poster in their window during the 10-day campaign. Participants include: Bogner Sheet Metal, Bosso Williams, Eco Goods, Hoffman's Bistro and Patisserie, The Literary Guillotine, Inc., Lloyd's Tire Service, Many Hands Gallery, Massie Tax and Financial Planning, New Leaf Community Markets, Pacific Trading Company, Pedalers Express (PEDEX), Santa Cruz Properties, Shoreline Press and Synergy Organic Clothing. The list of participants can be found at:www.scapsite.org/node/14. 

For more information about BizAid for AIDS, visit www.scapsite.org.