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Susan R. Miller

Garton-Miller Media

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Feb. 26, 2020 – Nearly 100 supporters and guests attended The Campbell Foundation’s 25th Anniversary celebration on Feb. 23, 2020 at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale. Attendees included many members of the local AIDS support services community, including those from Latinos Salud, Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Care Resource and SunServe.

 

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Mario Stevenson, chief of the division of infectious diseases at the University of Miami School of Medicine, provided guests with a comprehensive overview of the current state of HIV/AIDS in South Florida, the epicenter of new cases. Dr. Stevenson also discussed what UM is doing to combat new infections, the work that is taking place in his lab, and the barriers that researchers face in developing an effective vaccine.

 

Since its inception 25 years ago, The Campbell Foundation has awarded more than $11 million in grant funding. The money has gone toward 165 clinical research grants.

 

“The grants we provide are to those who might not otherwise have an avenue of funding,” said Executive Director Ken Rapkin. “It’s seed money that often allows researchers to begin to prove their hypothesis and go on to obtain even further, and much greater funding, from larger organizations.”

 

The Campbell Foundation also has provided 360 end-of-year (Holiday Hug) grants to community partners that directly serve those living with HIV/AIDS and their families. They include Broward House, Latinos Salud, Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center and Poverello Center, among others.

 

“Through these grants, hundreds of thousands of people have been assisted by The Campbell Foundation. The money is used by our community partners to provide medication, food, housing assistance, HIV testing and outreach, bus passes, eyeglasses, and other goods and services people need in their daily lives” said Rapkin.

 

In addition, the foundation has provided seven emergency relief grants to help those living with HIV/AIDS to get through natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.

 

The Campbell Foundation was created by the late Richard Campbell Zahn, a chemist who developed Herpecin-L Lip Balm for the treatment of cold sores. Zahn died from complications due to AIDS. It was his wish to set up a private, independent foundation that would support nonprofit organizations conducting clinical, laboratory based research into the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and related conditions and illnesses. Twenty-five years later, the foundation continues to honor Richard through its continued grant-making.

 

About The Campbell Foundation

The Campbell Foundation was established in 1995 by the late Richard Campbell Zahn as a private, independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting clinical, laboratory-based research into the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. It focuses its funding on supporting alternative, nontraditional avenues of research. In its 25th year, the Campbell Foundation has given away more than $11 million, with about $1.2 million going to direct services.