Hi everyone,

It is that time of year again.  Each year for the past five years I have sent this e-mail out at about the same time every year. You see I am asking for your support in a cause that is very near and dear to me.  The Aids Life Cycle, an event to raise not only money but awareness about AIDs and the HIV virus.  I am very lucky to not have this disease, but I am even more lucky to be healthy enough to help when I can.

So 5 years ago, I decided to become a volunteer on the Aids Life Cycle, where close to 3000 bicyclist and 500 volunteers transport themselves from San Francisco to Los Angeles over a 7 day period.  This will be my 6th year participating, and most definitely not my last since I have promised myself and others that I will help until either there is a cure, or I am unable to.

Let me make this a little more personal, so you can understand why this is so near to my heart.  14 years ago I was a practicing drug addict and alcoholic. On April 16th, 1995 I went to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous because I had hit my personal bottom and really did not want to go on anymore.  What happened at that meeting was amazing. I learned that there were others out there feeling the same thing I was. You see that meeting was a meeting of gay men who were alcoholics, and I had just found a home. To this day, I still take one day at a time and enjoy life being a sober member of society.

The leader of that meeting welcomed me, and made me feel comfortable. A hard task to do I might add.  His name was Andy. Andy was not only gay, and sober but also HIV positive. He had the courage, energy and love to take me under his care to show me how to be a gay man and be sober at the same time.  He helped me build a foundation of sobriety that keeps me clean and drug free each and every day.

A few years after I moved away from Los Angeles Andy passed away because of this horrible disease.  It was then I knew I had to try and help somehow. The Aids Life Cycle is how I help!

I know times are tough, but these events and people can not be forgotten. Even a dollar helps, but $100 helps even more.

Please help me raise a few dollars to help support those living with and those affected and effected by the HIV virus.  It is very simple, just follow this link to my page on the ALC website. http://www.davidbudlong.com/aidslifecycle . There you will find a large orange rectangular button that says “Donate to support David!” . Click on that button and follow the simple step by step instructions.

If I may suggest you do this now instead of waiting. If you are like me, I always forget to go back and take care of things. I find it easier and simpler to just do it now. Please go to http://www.davidbudlong.com/aidslifecycle now and make a donation now. It is tax deductible and really helps a lot of wonderful people.

Thank You.

David Budlong

P.S.  If you are not comfortable making a donation online, do not let that stop you!  Right now get your checkbook and an envelope.  Write the check payable to ALC (or Aids Life Cycle) and send it to me at:

David Budlong
30 Leslie Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93105-4120

Again, Thank you very much for your help and support.

You will make a difference!

David

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