  | The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Arts/Health organization dedicated to raising funds for AIDS services, hunger programs and programs for underserved youth in the Bay Area through the production of quality entertainment programs. REAF was founded by two mothers, Barbara Richmond and Peggy Ermet, who lost their only sons to AIDS as a way to honor their sons’ memories and help alleviate the suffering of all the other sons and daughters living with HIV and AIDS. REAF began as a wholly volunteer-run agency, partnering with a single agency to produce a fundraising event called "Help is on the Way: San Francisco Cares." Today, REAF is still relies on a mostly volunteer Board and staff. "Help is on the Way" has become one of the Bay Area’s largest annual benefit concert and galas and a major source of funding for many local AIDS, Food and Youth Services programs. REAF focuses not only on raising funds but also on creating public awareness that the AIDS epidemic is not yet over, that too many people rely on local food and nutrition programs as their only sources of food and that there are thousands of homeless and underserved youth who all need our help to live full, productive lives. REAF strives to create community alliances to support these agencies on multiple levels. Overall, beneficiary agencies that have partnered with REAF have reported increased overall giving levels, both financial and in-kind, through increased exposure to media, corporations and individual donors. Volunteerism to their agencies is also increased. REAF strives to build teamwork and cooperation among benefiting agencies through these annual partnerships. |
