The San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) was founded in 1986 by Robert Edwards (also known as “Papa Bear”), a local bar owner who responded to the medical and social crisis at a time when most were afraid to acknowledge the AIDS epidemic. SAAF grew from a volunteer grassroots effort into the oldest and most comprehensive professionally managed organization that provides services for those affected by HIV AIDS in Bexar County and 11 surrounding South Texas counties.
Since its founding, the San Antonio AIDS Foundation has been providing compassionate care to low-income San Antonians living with HIV and AIDS. The organization provides resource and benefit assistance, mental health screening and counseling, medical care, housing, and a year-round hot meal program.
SAAF also provides STD and HIV testing, as well as HIV prevention education to area public schools, colleges, and universities.
People interested in volunteering to help the San Antonio AIDS Foundation with its mission to prevent the spread of HIV and provide comprehensive services to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS are encouraged to meet with SAFF's volunteer coordinator Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9 am-3 pm or email volunteer@sanantonioaids.org.
The WEBB Party, SAAF's signature Fiesta San Antonio fundraising event, is now the foundation’s most visible and important fundraising event of the year, attracting more than 1,000 guests and raising more than $100,000 for the organization. It helps to fund such programs and services as free HIV testing, prevention education in public schools, outpatient clinical care, mental health counseling, transitional housing, and a 365-day-per-year hot meals program reaching approximately 30,000 people a year.
The party features full-service open bars; tastings by some of San Antonio’s top restaurants; colorful costumes; and a diverse, fun-loving crowd.
Monthly giving provides a steady and cost-effective source of income to the San Antonio AIDS Foundation and comes with the following benefits: an annual statement to assist in your tax preparation; a designated staff member who can handle any questions you may have; the ability to increase, decrease, or cancel your pledge whenever you wish; income that will provide services to those in need.
