Jerry Calumn has been selected as Event Manager for Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS

Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS announces that Jerry Calumn is the organization's new event manager. LSRFA is a two day bicycling event raising funds for three North Texas agencies serving people with HIV/AIDS. End Quote

Dallas, TX (1888PressRelease) February 15, 2011 - After an extensive search and interview process, Jerry Calumn accepted the position of event manager for Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS and will be leading the agency into its second decade. He will be returning to Dallas HIV/AIDS event fundraising after a successful career in marketing and communications in Los Angeles and New York.

"I am excited to work in an organization with such a strong legacy and an even stronger foundation of committed riders and volunteers," he said of his selection. "Living with this disease myself for 17 years, I'm glad we have organizations like Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS raising funds, creating hope, and focusing on moving forward."

Jerry has been a fierce advocate for the HIV/AIDS community having served a number of agencies including Resource Center Dallas from 1990-1998, and helping to create the American Academy of HIV Medicine. Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS will also benefit from Jerry's work experience in the for-profit community most recently as a communications and product Consultant at his firm Calumn Communications in the New York area.

"I have no doubt that Jerry's energy and talent will be a great addition to our LSRFA family. We are very excited to have someone of his caliber as our event manager," said Laura Kerr, President of the LSRFA Board of Directors, in announcing the choice.

Search committee chair Robert Moore called Jerry "an excellent fit for this role." Adding, "He has passion, commitment, and is a rider himself. He lives openly as an HIV+ man. He knows the issues the HIV/AIDS community and the HIV service providers face every day."

Jerry Calumn will be taking the helm of Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS (LSRFA), an agency that exists to raise funds for North Texans living with HIV/AIDS while at the same time raising awareness of this disease. Founded in 2001, LSRFA is a grassroots, volunteer driven 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that produces a number of fundraising and awareness raising events throughout the year.

Commemorating its 11th Anniversary in 2011, Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS ends the year with the signature event; a two-day cycling adventure through scenic suburban and country roads winding through and around Dallas/Fort Worth on September 24 and 25, 2011. The ride offers a number of routes ranging from a 1 Day - 45 mile ride to a 2 Day - 180 mile ride. For both riders and crew members, it's a great way to meet new friends and have a lot of fun while supporting a serious cause. As a result of strong community support, LSRFA has donated nearly $2 million to our three beneficiary agencies.

2011 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the first cases of what is now known as HIV/AIDS in the United States. The HIV/AIDS community has made great strides in those thirty years however there is still more to be done. Texas ranks fourth nationally with the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases, and Dallas currently has the highest rate of infection in Texas.

Health officials estimate that one in 22 African-Americans will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime, and currently HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. In some age categories, HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in women worldwide.

From exiting event manager David Minehart, "I have been privileged to serve as Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS event manager since 2007 and steering committee volunteer since 2001. I am pleased the search committee has acted quickly in identifying the next event manager to lead this extraordinary event into its second decade. Best wishes to Mr. Calumn and to Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS 2011. See you-all September 24 and 25!"

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