FORT LAUDERDALE, FL –– Dec. 16, 2021 –– Everyone needs a hug now and then, especially those who care for others. That’s why each year The Campbell Foundation awards its end-of-the-year “Holiday Hug” grants to deserving organizations that serve those living with HIV/AIDS in Florida.

 

Throughout the year, The Campbell Foundation funds HIV/AIDS research around the world. But each year since 1996, the foundation also has provided Florida-based organizations serving those with HIV/AIDS with unrestricted donations that can be used any way the organizations see fit.

 

Since the Holiday Hug grants began, the foundation has awarded nearly $1.5 million in unrestricted grants.

 

“As we enter our 27th year of funding HIV/AIDS research, The Campbell Foundation is proud to have been able to lend financial assistance to these organizations. They play such an important role providing everything from HIV and COVID-19 testing, food and housing assistance, and mental health services, among others. Without these organizations many people with HIV/AIDS would fall through the cracks,” said Foundation Trustee Bill Venuti.

 

This year, each of the ten following organizations will receive a $2,000 grant to use as they see fit.

 

• AH Monroe, Key West

• Broward House, Fort Lauderdale 

• Care Resource, Fort Lauderdale/Miami  

• Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Fort Lauderdale

• Compass, West Palm Beach

• Empath/EPIC, St. Petersburg  

• Latinos Salud, Wilton Manors   

• McGregor Clinic, Fort Myers

• Poverello, Wilton Manors

• SunServe, Wilton Manors

 

“The ability to combine science, compassion and dignity is the strength of The Campbell Foundation. Broward House is grateful to feel their support through a Holiday Hug donation that allows us to provide the wraparound care that complements the medications and creates true healing. We are lifted by The Campbell Foundation’s partnership, generosity, and commitment to find a cure,” said Stacy Hyde, President and CEO of Broward House, which has received a total of $50,000 in Holiday Hug grants since 1996.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on many organizations including the Poverello Center, which has seen more people than ever in need of food assistance. Poverello also was forced to shut down its thrift stores in 2020 which led to less funding.

 

“The annual Holiday Hug from The Campbell Foundation is a lifesaver to cover the costs of simple items we all take for granted such as shampoo, soap, razors, and basic living essentials. We can’t thank The Campbell Foundation enough for supporting our program participants through this funding,” said CEO Thomas Pietrogallo, whose organization has received $80,000 in grants since 1996.

 

The Campbell Foundation has provided a total of $30,000 in Holiday Hug grants to Latinos Salud since 2014, allowing the organization to continue to provide free services to the HIV/AIDS community.

 

“This April, we began offering free COVID vaccination and boosters. We’ve already provided nearly 2,000 shots. We’re also expanding our Wellness Clinic next year, adding an extra day of free services in each location. We are so grateful to The Campbell Foundation for empowering our efforts,” said Latinos Salud Executive Director Stephen Fallon.

 

Julia Murphy, Chief Development Officer Compass Community Center, said the foundation’s funding allowed the organization to host a youth holiday dinner for 100 of its youth and their families. “Compass is the chosen family for many of our youth and families, so having this time together is impactful for all of us,” said Murphy.

 

Since it began receiving Holiday Hug grants, the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale has received a total of $80,000. “This funding means so much to the team at Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center, as it validates that our hard work serving the HIV community is recognized and appreciated,” said Executive Director Ana Calderon Randazzo.

 

The Campbell Foundation is preparing to celebrate its 27th anniversary in February 2022.

 

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. As The Campbell Foundation prepares to celebrate its 26th year, it has given away more than $11.5 million dollars, with nearly $1.5 million of that going to direct services.