Letters

AIDS Ride returns less than stated

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Written by admin
Jul 28, 2010

I am writing in reference to your article on the ACT 8 Ride.

The Wisconsin Gazette article on the AIDS Network ACT Ride stated, “There are still critics who contend the rides do not return as much as promised, but coordinator Melissa Kruser contends that every dollar netted is essential to AIDS Network’s operating budget.”

I am one of those critics. I served on the AIDS Network board of directors from March 2007 until May 2008. I also served as a member of the executive committee as the elected secretary. My tenure on the board ended when I resigned due to fundamental concerns regarding the management and direction of the agency, particularly the disparity of HIV/AIDS services provided to clients of AIDS Network compared to services provided to those living with HIV/AIDS in other areas of the state.

My concerns regarding the annual ACT ride are borne out of frustration over the agency’s refusal to provide verifiable information regarding the direct and indirect expenses of the ride. The ride has been built on the myth that the bulk of dollars raised go to fund direct client service. This is simply not the case.

AIDS Network’s annual independent financial audit show clearly where the agency’s fundraising dollars are spent. A combined total of 58.7 percent of the agency’s fundraising income in 2009 was used to pay for “fundraising expenses” and “management and general” expenses. This is unconscionable.

The ACT riders, donors and crew have been led to believe that the bulk of the dollars fund client services, yet through carefully parsed words AIDS Network avoids telling the truth, instead saying that it funds for the “provision” of services (i.e., overhead of the agency).

More information regarding the annual ACT Ride and other issues of concern regarding HIV/AIDS services in the state can be found at www.wisconsinhiv.com.