I donate originals of my work each year to ARS (AIDS Response Seacoast) and have been doing so for about 5 years now. It means a lot to give back to the community and to help out those who are less fortunate. We all need love and kindness and support. Today I received a very touching email from a dear friend of mine and I wanted to share it with everyone. If at all possible it would mean a lot to me, as well as, Richard and everyone from ARS if you could join in on the walk, donate or both.

Brenden, April 18th, 2008 “ I can still hear your raspy voice; Your humor I remembered, at odds with your beautiful giving spirit: Self sacrificing, in a solemn promise, never again, if in your power you can; and did rebel from norm, pained intrusions placed in your solitude.” This is an excerpt from Valentino Alba tribute to Richard Cotter II, who died recently at the young age of 40. Richard was full of life and Valentino captured Richard’s joie de vie, instantly. I miss Richard every day and have learned how much someone must endure living with HIV every waking moment in pain, like Richard. HIV is very close to my heart for many reasons. I advocate for those who are not so lucky and who struggle, like Richard, every day to access services like medical care, insurance, transportation and everyday tasks that we all take for granted. AIDS Response Seacoast (ARS), the Frannie Peabody Center in Maine and many other AIDS Service Organizations confront men like Richard, as well as women, children and young adults. As funding is cut dramatically each year, fund raising efforts, such as the AIDS Walk, help meet the goals of these life-saving agencies. This year, Maine and New Hampshire will walk together on May 4th. With your financial help, we all can give hope to those people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in the Seacoast area. I am once again asking you to sponsor me this year, as I have in the past. Whether it is $5, $50 or $500, every dollar counts. I hope that I can reach my goal this year with your help. You can either send me a check, payable to ARS, or donate on line at http://AIDSresponse.kintera.org/faf/home. All proceeds this year will be matched by the National AIDS Fund and the Elton John Foundation. This will increase our fund raising efforts. As I say each year, I will continue to walk for those who are unable and fight this virus until I can’t fight any longer. Thank you for your love and support. Richard Richard Leigh POB 573 York Harbor, ME 03911