ASHLAND, ORE. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival distributed a total of $59,000 to HIV/AIDS organizations as a result of the 20th annual Daedalus Project, the Festival's annual benefit.
Each year following the benefit, the Festival distributes the funds to various local, regional, national and international organizations involved in the battle against HIV and AIDS. This season, OSF distributed funds to the following organizations:
OnTrack, Inc. - Alan F. Collins AIDS Project, Medford: $39,000
HIV Resources Center (Josephine, Douglas, Curry, Coos counties): $11,000
Siskiyou County HIV/AIDS Foundation (SCHAF): $6,000
Africare: $3,000
Paul Nicholson, OSF's Executive Director, noted, "We couldn't do this event so successfully without the continued commitment from our community and audience, and we are truly grateful for the support we've had for the last 20 years. We have always hoped that this insidious disease would be under control, but until it is, we will continue to raise funds to support organizations that are doing such important work."
The 2008 Daedalus Project will be held Monday, August 18.
Among the events that helped raise funds for the 2007 benefit: a 5K Run/Walk, co-sponsored by OSF and Providence Health System; sales of baked goods, pesto, lemonade, art items and T-shirts; a New Belgium bicycle and quilt raffle; an afternoon play reading and an evening variety show on the Elizabethan Stage.