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SONOMA COUNTY HONORS RICK DEAN’S 20 YEAR COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING HIV AND AIDS

The AIDS crisis was still in its infancy in 1987. That was the year that AZT became the first drug approved to specifically fight HIV. A one-year supply cost $10,000, making it the most expensive drug in history. The FDA provided guidance to manufacturers for the first time to encourage the labeling of condoms in the prevention of HIV. A study proved that HIV is not transmitted by casual contact, and the AIDS Memorial Quilt was started in San Francisco. There were 16,488 known U.S. HIV/AIDS related deaths in 1987, and 100 deaths in Sonoma County.

1987 was also the year that Face to Face hired Rick Dean, its fifth employee. At that time, Face to Face had only 35 clients. Today, Face to Face has 535 active clients.

Rick has seen the evolution of HIV and AIDS in Sonoma County firsthand. He was first drawn to Face to Face as a volunteer, and provided emotional support and bedside care to many individuals. Rick participated in the first AIDS "Die-in" (a demonstration for AIDS awareness) staged at a Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting in 1988 and the first AIDS Candlelight March in 1989. He helped organize and bring the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Sonoma County for the first time. He brought artists and donors together in creating Art for Life, Face to Face’s signature annual fundraising event. In the 90’s, Rick helped Face to Face create programs like Henry House, a residential care facility for people with AIDS, and many other innovative programs to care for people with AIDS and prevent further spread of the disease. In 2002 Rick was hired as the Executive Director of Face to Face, and in 2004 he was elected chair of the Sonoma County Commission on AIDS.

Rick has survived expansions, staff furloughs, pay cuts and layoffs. He’s seen the epidemic continually change and has encouraged Face to Face to change along with it in order to serve clients to the best of our ability. In the past twenty years, Rick has proved to be an invaluable advocate for those living with HIV or AIDS, touching countless lives with compassion, empathy and hope.

The Board of Directors of Face to Face invite you to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Rick Dean on Thursday, May 8 from 5:00-7:00 pm. The event will take place at the Jackson Theatre in the Sonoma Country Day School.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and guests can participate in our “20 Items in 20 Minutes Auction”. Only 300 reservations are available, so reserve your space early. If you are unable to attend but would like to show your support, please make a donation in Rick's honor by clicking here.

Thursday, May 8, 5:00-7:00 pm
Jackson Theatre, Sonoma Country Day School
4400 Day School Place, Santa Rosa

$20 Donation to attend
(no cost options available for current and former clients)
Make your secure reservations by calling 544-1581.

View the event invitation here.

Thursday, July 17, 2008
Rialto Cinemas Lakeside's Face to Face Film Series Presents
A Jihad for Love
7:15 pm

Saturday, September 6, 2008
Art for Life, 21!
Mary Agatha Furth Center, Windsor
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

In the News

Click here to read the 2008 Beerfest press release!

Click here to read Rick Dean's 20th Anniversary press release.

Click here to read Face to Face's end of year letter.