The 1st annual Autumn Gala and silent auction for the PositiveHealth Practice at UCSF (PHP-UCSF) was a huge success. The evening began with more than 120 supporters congregating at 111 Minna Gallery, which resulted in a warm and festive atmosphere. We were honored to recognize the first PHP-UCSF Community Service Award recipients for their HIV-related work: Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and Robert C. Scott, MD.

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi was honored for her tireless efforts to obtain funding for HIV services. Her work led to funding of PHP-UCSF’s Men of Color Program, the only program in San Francisco to specialize in the treatment of HIV+ African-American men.

Robert C. Scott, MD is an HIV Disease Specialist at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland, California. Many were inspired by Dr. Scott's motivational call to UCSF, imploring the university to increase its numbers of underrepresented physicians in the community. He was recently profiled in the San Francisco Chronicle Magazine for his local as well as global contributions to AIDS.

Among the evening's special highlights was a presentation by Darin, a patient here at PHP-UCSF. As part of his participation in UCSF's Arts for Recovery Program, Darin exchanged letters and art with several Bay Area high-school students. During his speech, Darin recounted his ongoing correspondence with one particular student named Sara. Their exchange provided mutual support and helped break down the walls that isolate us from others on our life journeys. The letter exchange also deepened their understanding of dealing with chronic illness. Darin's presentation reminded attendees that it truly takes a community to stop HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Malcolm John, Director of PHP-UCSF said donations from the silent auction reflected the community spirit to support the practice and those living with HIV/AIDS. "Funds raised and other donations from the Gala contributed to our success," said Dr. John. "We look forward to continued support as we expand our programs and another festive and beneficial event in October 2006 at the Second Annual Autumn Gala."

More photos from our 2005 Autumn Gala:

• UCSF members and recipients

We would like to thank the following for their contributions in making the evening a success:

Olive Green Catering
Oscar Fabulous
Heklina

All images © courtesy of Trish Tunney.