The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
The Silo holds World Aids Day event
NEW MILFORD — The Silo in New Milford recently held a World AIDS Day.
A gathering of friends and supporters attended the Dec. 4 event that celebrated the scientific progress regarding HIV prevention and treatment that allows for those affected by HIV/AIDS to be physically present, according to a statement.
The ceremony included a meditation exercise, personal speeches, an art exhibit and a candlelight reflection.
Producer Brendan Gaul also addressed guests and shared the trailer for the documentary film “5B,” which tells the story of the nurses and caregivers who opened the first AIDS ward at a California hospital in the 1980s.
In addition, Pattie McKnight, executive director of Health Care Advocates International of Stratford, presented The Silo a donation of $10,000, matching the donation of the $10,000 donated by the Stewart B. McKinney Foundation Inc., that will support Survivor to Thriver, a monthly program that will focus on the tools individuals need to get unstuck.
The program will kick off Jan. 22. The free one-day workshop will be offered for 25 people each month. It will be open to all, especially those facing stigma, shame, discrimination and/ or lack of hope, and who are looking for ways to better their lives.
“We extend a huge thank you to Pattie McKnight for giving a heartfelt speech about acceptance and tolerance for all humans,” said Alessandro Piovezahn, president and CEO of The Silo.
“We are so grateful to Pattie, a Believer of The Silo, and her colleagues, Dr. Gary Blick, Lenny Courtemanche and Thomas Evans, for this gift and for being part of our special event on World AIDS Day,” he said.
Piovezahn also extended his “deepest gratitude to Libby McKinney Tritschler for her unconditional support and belief in our mission to build a more just, humane and equitable society for everyone.”
For more information, contact The Silo on Upland Road at 860-355-0300 or email info@thesilo.org.