Local Business' Refreshing Generosity Helps Area Homeless Battle HIV/AIDS

June 28, 2012 - PRLog -- Owners and patrons of a local bar donated 6,000 bottles of water to help homeless men, women, and children beat the soaring temperatures this summer. Frank Holland and Ron Nelson, owner of Pekers Bar in Oak Lawn, delivered the life-saving water to AIDS Interfaith Network (AIN) on Thursday. The 200 cases of water will be distributed to AIN clients throughout the summer.

"Our clients don't worry about electricity bills or air conditioning. They worry about having enough to eat and drink to survive," said Travis Gasper, director of development. "They will have one less thing to worry about this summer, thanks to the generous folks at Pekers."

Each year AIN serves 2,000 individuals in North Texas battling HIV/AIDS. Half of them are without stable, permanent housing, leaving them in danger when the mercury rises. Proper hydration is essential to staying on HIV medications, which help prevent the further spread of the disease.

"We remain forever grateful to Pekers for their support," said Edgar Carmona, associate director. "Their generosity means those most vulnerable to the heat will be able to stay hydrated and healthy this summer."

Pekers Bar just celebrated its fifth anniversary, and has supported HIV prevention efforts in the community since its beginning. They have donated over $100,000 in cash to AIN, making them a leader in the Oak Lawn community in fighting HIV/AIDS.  

Why did they go out of their way to help? "Just because," said Frank Holland, co-owner of Pekers. "It was something that needed to be done."

Images of staff and volunteers unloading the water can be found at:
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/528150_101509136...
and
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/251887_101509136...