$3MM Grant ‘Illuminates the Path’ to New Center for Health, Education & Wellness for HIV/AIDS.
Life-Changing Organization Receives Game-Changing Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (May 13, 2013) – Supporters of the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS witnessed the announcement of an astounding $3 million charitable gift during the organization’s 18th annual Night for Life Gala. Amidst tears and cheers, Bob and Renee Parsons announced that The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation would bridge the gap in the organization’s capital campaign.
The gift, the second major donation by The Parsons Foundation to Southwest Center, will ensure that construction on the new Center for Health, Education and Wellness is completed on time – ready to serve the greater Phoenix area’s HIV/AIDS prevention and chronic-disease health needs.
“Southwest Center does great work, work that changes lives,” said Bob Parsons during the evening’s gala. “Along with health, education and wellness – Southwest Center gives something else to their clients, their families and this community. They give hope – something so simple yet so important not only in the treatment of illness but in everyday life.”
For nearly a quarter of a century, the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS has provided a collaborative, innovative public-private healthcare approach to address HIV/AIDS as a long-term, chronic disease. In 2006, the Southwest Center received partial funding from the City of Phoenix to establish a Center for Health, Education and Community Wellness.
“Bob and Renee have been amazing advocates for Southwest Center,” said Southwest Center Chief Development Officer Mesha Davis. “Their overwhelming financial support will allow us to open the new facility this year and focus on what we do best … provide world-class care and deliver hope to the HIV positive community.”
The new 50,000 square-foot facility, to be named for The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, will provide integrated HIV/AIDS primary care and support services combined with shared classrooms for education programs. The Center will be the premier hub for HIV/AIDS prevention, primary care and chronic-disease management in Arizona.
“We are at the cross roads for the agency’s future and this new community center is going to take us to the next level, allowing us to help people live longer and healthier lives,” said Southwest Center CFO/COO Steve Ward.
The generosity of more than 425 Night for Life Gala attendees raised more than $3.35 million for the Southwest Center, funds crucial to the organization’s ability to open the doors of the new Center for Health, Education and Wellness for HIV/AIDS. Funds raised will also position the organization for success by offsetting operational expenses … funding programs that will benefit people who have HIV/AIDS.
“Since The Parsons Foundation’s $4 million grant last year, Bob and I have been incredibly impressed by how well the Center has managed the funds, as well as the massive construction project they have undertaken,” said Renee Parsons. “But, there is still much to be done.”
The new grant will allow Southwest Center’s capitol campaign to shift focus away from completing the center to raising the critical funds essential to running the organization and continuing its important work.
“Renee and I believe, with the completion of this project, HIV/AIDS clients in the Valley will have access to the best care in the country,” Bob Parsons continued. “And one day, hopefully not too far from now, we will find a cure for HIV.”
To learn more about the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS visit, www.SWCENTER.org.