Chasing Rainbows, held May 3, 2008, was attended by over 250 people and raised over $20,000 for the Smart Meals Program of the Albany Damien Center.  Smart Meals fights hunger and improves nutrition for individuals and families living with the daily challenges of HIV/AIDS.  Funds raised at Chasing Rainbows will enable the Albany Damien Center to provide an additional 4,000 meals this year!

 Chasing Rainbows featured outstanding performances by Benita Zahn, Carrie Weiss, Mary Pohl, Alan Sangiacomo, Peter Lacijan, Bill Harrison and Rich Satterlee with direction from Melissa Lacijan and music (and vocals) of Nate Buccieri.  Norman Rea coordinated this presentation in his efforts over the past 10 years to fight hunger for persons living with HIV/AIDS in the Capital Region of Upstate New York.

 In addition to our Honorary Committee and Business Partners, Chasing Rainbows was presented by KeyBank and the Albany Medical Center AIDS Program with sponsorship from The Blakley Rea Family Fund, FIJI Water, PitneyBowes MapInfo, Waterworks Pub, Tea Room Designs, Velocity Print Solutions, and Southwest Airlines. 

 Special thanks also to Ric Bello, Debbie’s Kitchen, First Unitarian Universalist Society, Mona Golub & Friends, My Favorite Things, Kent Schultz, Bryan Robinson & Crew, Schenectady Light Opera Company, Steven Billing, and the staff, Board of Directors and many volunteers of the Albany Damien Center.

 A special thank you from all of us at the Albany Damien Center to everyone who attended the event! 

 (PS – Donations to the SMART MEALS program are always welcome!)

you can still make a donation to Smart Meals through Chasing Rainbows

make a secure donation here 

SMART MEALS fights hunger and improves nutrition for individuals and

families living with the daily challenges of HIV/AIDS. Healthy lunches and dinners are served “family style”, Monday through Thursdays in the comfortable and supportive environment at the Albany Damien Center. A Registered Dietitian provides assessments, education, and support for each person whose health is determined to be at risk.

 

In 2007, the Albany Damien Center provided over 14,000 meals and the need

is projected to grow to over 20,000 meals in 2008. Using a variety of low cost

and donated items, Smart Meals provides each meal at a cost of only $5. All

services and meals are provided free of charge to registered members of the

Albany Damien Center.

 

SMART MEALS is funded with the help from the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, United Way of the Greater Capital Region, the Northeast Regional Food Bank, Price Chopper Supermarkets and the fundraising efforts of Norman Rea.