AIDS Walk Portland Event Staff and Committee
Event Staff
Roma Peyser -- Development Manager
Roma Peyser, CAP’s Development Manager has been on staff for five years in the Development Department, and oversees CAP’s two biggest events, the annual Art Evening & Auction (as a volunteer and board member beginning in 1990) and AIDS Walk Portland. Roma personally finds AIDS Walk Portland the most exciting, energizing and emotional event as thousands annually come out to support CAP’s mission, honor those living with HIV/AIDS and remember those lost to AIDS. Each year, Roma arrives at Pioneer Courthouse Square at 5:00 am in the misty dark, before the city is awake and the volunteers and staff arrive and experiences the blossoming of this amazing event as the morning unfolds. The event’s rhythms, noises, and bustling activities are incredible and show Portland at its best with activism, advocacy and spirit by the outpouring of individuals that work to bring awareness and an end to this pandemic. The event is a family affair, and joining her at the event over the past five years are Roma’s partner, OB and daughter Lily.
Donna Gabriel -- Special Events Coordinator
When I worked at the Washington, DC Convention and Visitors Association during the mid 1980's, my best friend on staff contracted AIDS. In the prejudicial culture of the time, Tom only confided in me. So, for five years, I was the sole person who knew of his struggle. As was not uncommon, he was more anxious about telling his parents that he was gay than disclosing that he was dying. During the last stages of his illness, he finally found the courage to tell his mom that he was sick. However, she then told him she couldn't take care of him. So I encouraged Tom's friends to help him during his final months, and we also helped him plan his funeral. Because of that experience, I have a special place in my heart for CAP and am truly honored to be CAP's Special Events Coordinator as of August of 2008. My personal goal for AIDS Walk Portland is to meet and thank as many of the walkers as I can!
THE TEST WE MUST SET FOR OURSELVES IS NOT TO MARCH ALONE BUT TO MARCH IN SUCH A WAY THAT OTHERS WILL WISH TO JOIN US.
Michael Fennelly -- Development Team Lead
I am proud to be CAP’s Development Team Lead and to have worked in support of CAP events since 1999. This year’s AIDS Walk Portland will be my 10th. In my closet are t-shirts from the past 9 Portland AIDS Walks in various tie-dye colors, which may be a result of my past life as a rock musician. My passion for AIDS Walk Portland and for all the work of Cascade AIDS Project stems from my deeply-held conviction to live in a world where we embrace diversity and extend our reach to every member of our community, and on the day of the Walk, it all seems possible.
Janeen Provo -- Development Admistrative Assistant
I am honored to be a member of the Cascade AIDS Project staff presenting AIDS Walk Portland to this community. I am new to Portland, arriving about 6 months ago from Juneau, Alaska. It’s a welcoming and gentle city with amazing heart and I feel the same about CAP. I work and I walk because I care about supporting those impacted by HIV/AIDS – and that is, really, all of us.
Marc Kochanski -- Volunteer Coordinator
Marc is proud of his work as Volunteer Coordinator at Cascade AIDS Project and thrilled to be working on AIDS Walk Portland. He has previously served in a number of capacities at CAP including a period on the Prevention Services team and a year in the Development department. Marc is also active with other local nonprofits, especially Basic Rights Oregon (LGBT advocacy) and City Repair Project (community-building and sustainable living).
Jonathan Stokes -- AIDS Walk Portland Intern
My family has a strong held tradition of "service above self", helping those in need and I learned that the most important and impactful things an individual can do is to help the community and one's soul is volunteer work. With this in mind, I have come to CAP after working with several non-profits, trying to make a difference in my new community and furthering myself in the field of Development.
Rachel Schiff -- AIDS Walk Portland Intern
AIDS Walk Portland Committee
Will Carter -- Event Co-Chair
Corin Dupree -- Event Co-Chair
Dale Hottle -- Logistics Chair
Bethany Sutherland -- Corporate Teams Chair
Terry Currier -- Music Millenium, Entertainment
Michael Dollowitch -- Food and Beverage
Jennifer Gray -- Food and Beverage
Carol Kimball -- Volunteer Check-In
Victor Kiser -- Route Coordinator
Roger Mitchell -- Team Recruitment
Jake Planton -- Team Recruitment
Shelley Triplet -- Food and Beverage
Jim Feild -- Set-up
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