After three decades of illness and devastating loss to the Florida Keys, the 30th anniversary of AIDS Help is not one Executive Director Scott Pridgen takes lightly.

“As we prepare to recognize our 30 years at the Harry S. Truman Little White House on February 19th, we are very cognizant that there’s still no cure…there’s still no vaccine…and new incidents of HIV infection, as well as various sexually-transmitted illnesses, are on the uptick. Our work as an Agency isn’t done and in many ways, has more urgency than ever,” he explains.

AIDS Help has become a national model, Pridgen points out, and it’s that success that will be applauded among heavy d’ouevres by the Iron Chefs, a cash bar and entertainment from Debra and Patrick, generously underwritten by both the Elwell and Meisel families.

What the evening, titled ’30 Years of Caring’, will offer from 6 – 8 p.m. that Friday is a rewind of the past, a re-introduction to the present and renewal for what the future holds. What Pridgen calls the 4 Pillars of the Agency will be reiterated: “Treatment. Prevention. Housing. Research. Those are the 2016 cornerstones,” Pridgen notes.

”No matter how they’ve been refurbished and updated over time, they bear the weight of the Agency like the legs of a chair, the wheels of a car and lot of people helped raise those pillars.””

It’s one reason the Agency has opted to invite the entire Keys community via social media, public relations outreach, personal phone calls, E-blasts and casual conversation. At first, the guest list was comprised of the social services and healthcare arenas, Monroe County governance, past Board members, philanthropists, our Royal family and long-standing volunteers.

“And then a light went off over our heads,” Pridgen remarks. “How could we omit so many who have forged a special relationship with our Agency? So, if you haven’t heard about it before now, consider this your official invitation!”

One regret: finite space has placed limitations on the size and sprawl of how many can attend, so Pridgen adds that a prompt RSVP is essential.

To reserve your place, Pridgen emphasizes, please e-mail [email protected].