How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. - Anne Frank
Past Events
Saturday, February 14, 2009: Coffee With Conscience This past Valentine's Day, Coffee with a Conscience once again expressed their love and concern for people living with HIV/AIDS by organizing and presenting a fundraising concert featuring Carrie Newcomer, a star on the rise. The evenings performance was held at the 1st United Methodist Church located at 1 East Broad Street (corner of North Ave) in Westfield, NJ. Proceeds from the event benefited The Eric Johnson House and people living with HIV/AIDS throughout New Jersey. For more information on Coffee with a Conscience or to attend an upcoming performance, please visit http://www.coffeewithconscience.org
Sunday, October 26, 2008: Dinner Dance Benefit Honoring The Family Health Center of Morristown Memorial Hospital At this year's Dinner Dance Benefit, The Eric Johnson House honored The Family Health Center of Morristown Memorial Hospital for being a community leader in the field of HIV/AIDS services. Executive Director, Laurie Litt-Robbins, made the importance of collaborative partnerships clear when she said "the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS are extensive and complex; maintaining relationships with medical and social service providers who recognize and respond to these unique needs is critical in realizing our vision." Proceeds from the event benefited the Housing, Community-Based Services and Educational Programs of The Eric Johnson House.
Saturday, October 18, 2008: New Jersey Drag Gag Show at Switch Thank you to Switch Bar in Boonton, New Jersey for volunteering their time, talent and facility in support of people living with HIV/AIDS! On Saturday, October 18, 2008 the staff of Switch presented the New Jersey Drag Gag Show hosted by Tony Mona. For a $5.00 cover charge, guests enjoyed entertaining performances by never before seen acts in New Jersey and access to the post event dance party. All proceeds from the evening's activities benefited The Eric Johnson House. For more information on Switch Bar, located at 202 Myrtle Ave. Boonton, NJ, please visit www.switchbar.com
April 11 - 12, 2008: Canticles for Life AIDS Benefit Concerts The Triad Arts Ensemble, in collaboration with two area churches, raised $2,400 for The Eric Johnson House from their 2008 Canticles for Life AIDS Benefit Concerts, presented April 11 & 12th in Butler & Chatham. The NAMES Project of Central NJ, which supports the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, which supports children with HIV/AIDS and their families, also benefited from the concerts. The Canticles programs celebrate the courage and dignity of the human spirit, while also offering remembrances for lives lost. This year the program included music by the Newark Boys Chorus, the Triad Vocal Ensemble and children's music group, Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck.
Red Lobster of Roxbury, NJ Makes The Holidays Extra-Special For The Eric Johnson House Since September 2007, Red Lobster of Roxbury, NJ has been donating delicious menu items to help feed the residents of The Eric Johnson House. This holiday season, store employees and managers went above and beyond their weekly food harvest donation by preparing individual Thanksgiving meals for our residents and Aftercare clients. Thanks to Red Lobster, we filled the agency van full of hot sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mixed vegetables, biscuits, and cranberry sauce and delivered ready-to-eat meals to the homes of our Aftercare clients. Thank you Red Lobster!
Sunday, November 11th: Deborah Fennelly Concert For over 15 years, Deborah Fennelly has lent her voice to raise funds for the programs of The Eric Johnson House. This year the Afternoon of Songs of Life and Love raised over $1200 for the ongoing operating expenses of The Eric Johnson House programs. Ms. Fennelly was accompanied again this year by pianist David Maiullo. Selections from the recital included compositions by Brahms, Mozart, and Schumann. Ms. Fennelly ended the program with a lively medley of songs from the musical theater of Richard Rodgers. A reception following the concert was held in The Eric Johnson House.
Sunday, October 28th: Annual Dinner Dance The Annual Eric Johnson House Dinner Dance took place on October 28th, 2007 at the Parsippany Sheraton. The theme of this year's event was "Be an Advocate". The event opened with an inspiring speech from Executive Director, Laurie Litt-Robbins. She encouraged the audience to get involved, "There is still so much to be done... we can all make a difference, together we have the power to change the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS."
Former resident and current staff member, John Fenimore shared his experiences at The Eric Johnson House. "The staff of The Eric Johnson House saw something in me, I didn't even see in myself. Because of their belief in my ability to change, I have achieved all I am today." Guests also enjoyed a moving performance from current resident Shantae who told the audience, "This is my opportunity to give something back and to express my gratitude for all The Eric Johnson House has done for me."
In addition to the many friends, residents, aftercare clients, Board members and staff, we were honored to have Congressman Frelinghuysen in attendance. Also in attendance were Dr. Renee Frankel and Cezar Demago of the Morristown Memorial Hospital Family Health Center and Rob Fazzini of White's Pharmacy and Wellness Center. The Eric Johnson House is grateful for the support of our many community partners and relationships with those in the health care system.
September 28th - 30th: New Jersey Ride Against AIDS The NJ Ride Against AIDS took place from September 28 - 30 and The Eric Johnson House was there in full force to support the event.Executive Director, Laurie Litt-Robbins, participated as Rider #003 and several other staff and board members joined in as support volunteers.The Eric Johnson House has been a beneficiary of the event for several years and wanted to do more than just receive a check.Arriving at High Point at 6am Friday morning was the start of an amazing experience. Three days later riding into Cape May exhausted but exhilarated, The Eric Johnson House crew was proud of their contributions to this event.
Although new medications and research have enabled people to live longer and better quality lives, the daily struggles that people living with HIV/AIDS face are not yet over.Spreading this message across the state is part of the mission of The Eric Johnson House.
