Interview: Patricia Evert

INTERVIEW WITH PATRICIA EVERT Former Member of the NYC AIDS Memorial Board of Directors

How did you come to join the Board?

In 2013, I helped to create and manage the capital campaign for the Memorial. We needed to prove in a very short period of time that we could raise enough money to fund the construction of the Memorial. My background in fundraising, my experience working in the HIV community, and the relationships that I developed over the years were very helpful to this effort. In 2014, I was invited to join the Board. My involvement with the HIV community has been some of the most important and meaningful work of my life. I am truly honored to serve on the Board of the Memorial.

Tell us a little about your history of involvement with the HIV epidemic.

I had some friends who were infected in the early years of the epidemic. I wanted to find a way to help, and I felt strongly that the gay community needed those of us who were allies to join the fight. In 1987, I worked with Tom Viola on a benefit for Equity Fights AIDS, and then I did an event for DIFFA. In 1989, my friend Kathie DeShaw called to ask if I would join her at GMHC as their Director of Special Events. This was an opportunity to use events as the vehicle to heighten visibility, raise funds and engage a diverse base of volunteers and donors. This was before we had medications. But the sense of urgency propelled us forward. The events helped us create a grass-roots movement with a critical mass of people whose passion was not diminished by the tremendous challenges and the great loss. We produced huge events at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Lincoln Center. And then there were the AIDS Walks, AIDS Dance-a-thons, and AIDS Radiothons. And all of this without the benefit of social media. This was activism/organizing the old fashioned way.

We launched the first subway advertising campaign, and the first campaign to attract corporate support. We were everywhere. I had the privilege to work with the most incredible people – staff, volunteers, artists, musicians, the business community. In the face of adversity, we were able to accomplish so much, and bring so many people together. I left GMHC in mid-1996 after working on events that had raised more then $60 million. I started my own firm and continued to work with a variety of HIV organizations over the years including Bailey House, DIFFA, Gods Love We Deliver, and the NY AIDS Coalition.

What do you think is important about the NYC AIDS Memorial, what it can mean, how it can be used?

Interestingly, in 1992, when we were commemorating GMHC’s 10th anniversary, I suggested the idea of creating some kind of garden – a special place where we could remember all those we had lost. Everyone thought I was crazy. I probably was. So I convinced the manager of the Post Office on West 18th Street to allow us to build an installation of three eight-foot panels – a Wall of Remembrance. The panels were quickly filled with photos, poems and other mementoes of lost friends and loved ones. But sadly, after a month, the Wall had to be dismantled. But in my heart I hoped that one day there would be a public place of remembrance that would live on.I am so grateful to Christopher and Paul for believing that it was important to finally build a permanent AIDS Memorial in the City that was the epicenter of the epidemic. They inspired all of us to get involved. Their vision and commitment continues to be the driving force behind this project. It is a privilege to be part of the effort to make this Memorial a reality.

Who and/or what will be the thinking about or remembering at the Memorial?

I will certainly be remembering all of my beautiful friends and colleagues that we lost – too many to mention here. And I will also be thinking about the remarkable people I had the chance to work with. We were a bunch of passionate people who in the face of great adversity came together to prove that we could change the world. The impact of those relationships is forever imprinted on my heart, fills me with joy, and guides me forward.I especially want to be there in the evening when the light shines through the slits in the canopy. I think the beams of light will be signals from those we have lost letting us know that they are proud of what we have created.

What take away messages do you hope for visitors to the Memorial?

My hope is that the Memorial will be that place where we can stop and remember all the men, women and children we have lost – a place to honor the activists and caregivers, and a place to educate a new generation. My hope is that all who visit the Memorial will gain a richer understanding of the history of the movement, and appreciation of the contributions of those who have come before them. Most of all I hope it inspires them to get involved. The fight is not over until the day we find a cure.