The Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation would like to invite you to be a sponsor for a benefit concert, "Country Chaos: A Wicked Texas Concert". The line up for the night is Bleu Edmondson, The Pear Ratz, and local favorite, The Rich Lockhart Band. 800 people are expected to attend at Andrew’s Distributing, on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 6:30 PM– 11:00 PM.

The Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation is a 501 (C) (3), non-profit, which has served South Texas, Coastal Bend Region, since 1986 (Tax ID: 74-2429518). The agency’s mission is "Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation’s is committed to improving the quality of life of individuals infected and affected by HIV and AIDS." CBAF has provides services in the twelve counties of the Texas Coastal Bend: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio. Most of this 11,000 square mile area is comprised of small rural communities, surrounded by vast areas of undeveloped farm and ranch land. The area is characterized by ethnic diversity, high unemployment, low-education attainment, and poverty.

Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation has a successful history of providing core and support services to 500 clients in the communities we serve. As the only agency providing support services for HIV individuals in our area, the agency’s resources are often stretched thin. This makes continuing support from private citizens and foundations so important for us in providing access to services. HIV affects all of us and does not discriminate based on gender, race, ethniticity, age or sexual orientation. The face of HIV in the Coastal Bend is as diverse as the people who make up our community.

CBAF tests approximately 2,900 people per year for HIV in the Coastal Bend. A little over 10% of those tested are positive and require assistance in coping with this disease. HIV/AIDS is on the rise in our area, and only through intervention and education can we hope to reduce the infection rate.

Another facet of services provided by CBAF is our large youth education program. Over 15,000 unduplicated youth, in 16 school districts, in our communities are provided with tobacco, alcohol, drug prevention, and HIV education. Our goal is to work with children and their families in making positive choices which lead to lifelong health.

We hope that our mission to improve the health and well being of our community will be recognized with a contribution of one of our sponsorship levels. The reality is that we cannot do it alone, and sincerely need support from the outside community to provide the holistic care our clients require.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if additional information @ 361-814-2001. We look forward to your participation and support.

Warmest regards