April 3, 2010

Dear Friend of the Grove,

Spring arrived last week and, with it, our first Community Volunteer Workday of 2010. With the help of the nearly 200 volunteers who turned out on a sun-drenched Saturday, we have embarked once again on our annual journey of physical and spiritual renewal at the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

Some 20 years ago a group of individuals, bound by their shared grief in the face of countless deaths from AIDS, came together in search of a positive outlet for their collective anguish. They wanted to create a living monument to remember their loved ones — a place where people would find solace and experience the healing power of nature. This was to be a place dedicated to all lives touched by AIDS. Working tirelessly within the De Laveaga Dell, a then overgrown and forgotten space in Golden Gate Park, they soon realized that they were transforming not only a landscape, but also the lives of countless individuals. Thus was born the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

The driving force behind this transformation, both then and now, is the same — our dedicated volunteers. Since 1991, in the spirit of those who have gone before them, our tireless volunteers have contributed over 100,000 hours of their time caring for the Grove at 164 monthly Community Volunteer Workdays, planted over 36,000 plants, trees and shrubs, and cleared the landscape of weeds, brambles, vines, and blackberries that come back year after year. Last year our Community Volunteer Workday program saw a 66% increase in participation and this year, with an increase in awareness of the Grove, we anticipate that nearly 2,000 individuals will participate in the Grove’s workday program.

And just as our volunteers play an essential role in keeping the Grove a place of healing year after year, you, as a donor, help make it all possible through your generosity. Your spring appeal gift will allow the Grove to maintain and improve the memorial landscape while continuing our mission to honor all lives touched by AIDS. On behalf of everyone who has visited the Grove to remember a loved one lost, or who has felt the power of its peace and tranquility, we thank you.

As we prepare for what is sure to be another banner year, there are a number of special projects that, with the assistance of our volunteers and donors, we plan to undertake. Some of these include:

• Planting of more than 25 Rhododendron trees on the South Slope and restoring its place as the “original” Rhododendron Dell in Golden Gate Park;
• Continuing the reforestation of the North Slope Pines;
• Restoring the Victorian waterfall at the western end of the Grove; and
• Creating a Youth Awareness Workday program focused on the history of AIDS and the Grove and their impact in transforming individuals and communities.

This year we must raise $25,000 to fund our Community Volunteer Workday program. The monies raised will go to feed our nearly 2,000 volunteers, to purchase new trees, plants, and shrubs, and to buy supplies, hand tools, and other equipment. I’m sure you’ll agree that this is a worthwhile investment considering the more than 6,000 hours our volunteers will contribute to the upkeep of the Grove this year.

The Grove receives no government funding for its ongoing operations, but relies solely upon our volunteers and the sustained generosity of individuals like you to help continue our work. This year, I am particularly excited to let you know that your financial support can have double the impact!!

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NAMG Board of Directors’ $10,000 Spring Match Gift Challenge
As a symbol of its commitment to, and support of, the 2010 Community Volunteer Workday program, the National AIDS Memorial Grove Board of Directors will match all “new” monies contributed by donors through this appeal, up to $10,000.
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To take advantage of this exciting opportunity to double the impact of your donation —and support our wonderful volunteers— simply participate in this year’s spring appeal or increase your gift over last year. The NAMG Board of Directors will generously match the total amount of your new gift or the increased portion of your renewal gift, dollar-for-dollar.

I ask you to again support the National AIDS Memorial Grove and to help us continue to transform both landscape and lives. Planting trees, digging weeds, and spreading mulch do more than beautify this national treasure; these small acts do something much larger – they transform lives and sustain community.

Click here to donate and we’ll match it.

I look forward to updating you on our progress throughout the year.

Sincerely,

John B. Cunningham
Executive Director
National AIDS Memorial Grove