January 20, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Stephen E. Phelps, MA, CFRE

(314) 535-1919 Ext. 3033

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Doorways’ RED09 Cirque Du Rouge Black-Tie Event to feature three BRAVO TV auction packages.  

Highest bidders will fly off to Manhattan, LA and a “top secret” destination for a behind the scenes look at some of BRAVO Network’s hottest shows.

St. Louis’ Largest Event Supporting Housing Programs for People Living with HIV/AIDS

(ST. LOUIS, MO) – On Saturday, February 14, 2009, Doorways will present its eighth annual RED event to support housing for people living with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis area.  Amy Gill of Restoration St. Louis and Paul Acker of Express Scripts are chairing the event and STLTV’s Gilberto Pinela will emcee.  Last year’s celebration raised more than $250,000 and continued its reputation as “the most fun black-tie event in St. Louis.”  RED 2009 Cirque Du Rouge is poised to present a magical, mysterious and musical cirque atmosphere under the BIG TOP in the Khorassan Ballroom at the Chase Park Plaza! 

Doorways’ guests will have the opportunity to bid on a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend BRAVO’s TOP CHEF Challenge this spring! Visit the closed set of the number one food show on cable, meet Tom Colliccio and Padma Lakshmi, and experience a meal expertly prepared by the elite contestants of TOP CHEF sure to amaze even the most experienced palette. They’ll also spend two days in one of the most popular resort destinations in the world. 

Or, guests can bid on two tickets to BRAVO's Second Annual A-List Awards, hosted by Kathy Griffin, in LA April 5,  spend the weekend in LA and Make it Work when they run into Tim Gunn on the Red Carpet at BRAVO's A-List Awards, honoring the best in food, fashion, design, TV and pop culture.  To round out the BRAVO TV auction packages, a New York City Adventure is being offered which includes two theater tickets, two tickets to Regis and Kelly Live show, a meeting with Kelly Ripa, a guided tour of 30 Rock by Andy Cohen and dinner for two at the Palm.

RED09 is sponsored by Express Scripts, Ameren UE, Edward Jones, Emerson, Macy’s Foundation, Pulaski Bank, Slay Industries, Centene Corporation, Washington University in St. Louis – School of Medicine, CrowTakacs LLC, SSM Health Care, Stifel Nicolaus, Pfizer, Monsanto and many individuals.  Event sponsorship opportunities and ticket information can be found at: www.doorwwayshousing.org.

Doorways’ programs provide innovative housing resources to more than 570 adults living with AIDS in the metropolitan area and their 300 children. The Supportive Housing Facility, located in the City’s Central West End, provides 36 beds with nutrition and supportive services for residents whose HIV related illnesses require 24 hour care. This is the only facility of its kind in the State of Missouri.  Doorways’ Subsidy program provides over $1.7 million per year in rent and utility subsidies to help people with HIV/AIDS keep their own homes. The Residential program offers 99 subsidized apartments at various sites in St. Louis for persons living with AIDS who are capable of independent living but whose finance and health issues limit their ability to pay market rents.

Doorways was founded In 1988, after faith and community leaders in the metropolitan region witnessed people being reduced to poverty, isolation, and desperation by the societal reaction to HIV and AIDS.  These visionary leaders, who represented area Catholic, Jewish and Protestant denominations came together to form Doorways as an interfaith housing organization.  Their early conviction, that safe housing is the basic prerequisite for the effective treatment, management and prevention of the disease, is affirmed and strengthened by the results of a groundbreaking study known as the “Housing and Health Study” sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Housing is healthcare.  Housing is prevention.  Housing is a human right.

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MAY 22, 2008- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Matt Teter

(314) 535-1919 Ext. 3033

(314) 605-6578 – Mobile

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Daughters of Charity Foundation Provides Funding

to Assist Families Affected by HIV/AIDS

Doorways Receives a $10,000 Grant to Expand

Supportive Services in its Family Residential Complex

(Saint Louis) – Doorways is pleased to announce the receipt of a $10,000 grant from the Daughters of Charity Foundation, which will be used to expand the scope and type of supportive services offered to parents in its Family Residential Complex.

Doorways is the only organization in the region with the sole mission of providing housing and related services to individuals who are affected by HIV/AIDS, and was one of the first AIDS housing providers in the nation to develop specialized services for families with children who are affected by the disease. This grant will be used to deliver services to over 30 families a year who, in addition to living with HIV/AIDS, are also struggling to overcome poverty, lack of employment, and/or lack of education.

This year will mark the 20^th year of Doorways’ service to the community. The organization has assisted almost 6,000 households since its founding in 1988. Each year, 38% of those served are female heads of household, and 500 children annually benefit from the housing and services delivered.

Over its 20-year history, Doorways has developed a nationally recognized, comprehensive continuum of housing options designed to meet the varied needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, including 99 units in six subsidized developments, a 36-unit supportive housing facility with 24-hour care, a direct subsidy program, and an out-state housing initiative providing support throughout Missouri and southern Illinois.

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HELP THOSE WHO LIVE WITH HIV/AIDS

AND SAVE ON YOUR MISSOURI TAXES!!!

Doorways has extra tax credits available NOW that must be distributed before Wednesday, April 30. This is a great opportunity to provide crucial support for people living with AIDS and receive a valuable tax benefit. You may also renew or increase your Keystone membership while taking advantage of the tax credit program. If you are not familiar with Missouri Housing Development Commission’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program, please call me today for further information. We also have CPAs ready to answer any advanced questions or to communicate directly with you tax professional.

Below is some helpful information that will answer questions you may have about AHAP tax credits. To give you an idea about how the program works, a $5,000 donation to Doorways, using affordable housing tax credits, can be made with a net out-of-pocket cost of $1,250 (assuming maximum tax rate).

What is the Missouri Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program?

As an incentive for Missouri businesses to participate in affordable housing production, the state of Missouri offers an income tax credit for firms and qualifying individuals who donate cash, or real or personal property to a nonprofit community organization that has been awarded tax credits for distribution. The donations must assist the nonprofit with the acquisition, construction, and/or operation costs of a specific affordable housing development, such as DOORWAYS’ Supportive Housing Facility and its Residential Program apartments. Cash and Stock donations will be used to help people living with AIDS and will earn you a Missouri State income tax credit equal to 55% of the value of your contribution in addition to your IRS deduction. Donors may carry the credits forward for ten succeeding calendar or fiscal years until fully applied toward tax obligations.

How to give a $10,000 gift to DOORWAYS

with just $2,500 out-of-pocket.

Help us take care of all those who turn to us for help, and take a tax credit for your business or personal income tax. For more information on the Missouri Affordable Housing Assistance Tax Credit Program call DOORWAYS’ Development Department at (314) 535-1919.

Who qualifies?

Any business subject to taxation under Missouri statute is eligible to apply. Businesses must make the contribution to an eligible non-profit community organization, which will use it to offset development and operation costs for affordable housing development. Some individuals also qualify. An Individual donor is generally eligible for the tax credits if she or he submits IRS forms 1040 schedule C, 1040 schedule E, or 1040 schedule F. The tax credits may be used for the individual tax liability as well as for the business.

Who benefits most?

Anyone who is concerned about persons living with AIDS and has to make the most of their business resources. You can help others and gain benefits for yourself or your business at the same time! Ultimately, those who are living with the disease benefit the most from this opportunity. These tax credits may be used along with your IRS tax deduction. A gift of appreciated stock is usually not subject to capital gains, resulting in even greater savings to the donor. Consult your tax advisor for full details, or call DOORWAYS to speak to a Certified Public Accountant familiar with the program.

April 2, 2008-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Doorways Elects New Board Leadership

Outgoing Board Chair, Terry Crow, Receives the Distinguished Michael Edlin Award

(Saint Louis) – Over 100 volunteers, donors, community leaders, and staff of Doorways welcomed a new board Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary during their annual dinner held at St. Mary’s Health Center last night. In its 20 year history only five individuals have served as Chair of the organization showing great stability in leadership. Charles R. Miller now holds the top spot as Chair. Miller is an attorney and holds the position of Operating Vice President for Legislative Affairs at Macy’s Department Stores. John Russell, Senior Vice President of Stifel Nicolaus, now serves as the Vice-Chair, and The Reverend Frances Penn Cleveland of Asbury St. Louis United Methodist Church is the new Secretary of the board. Susan Venn, formerly with Edward Jones, returns as Treasurer.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Doorways’ highest honor, the Michael Edlin Award. This year’s recipient was outgoing board Chair, Terry Crow. Crow concludes nine years on Doorways’ board and his fifth year as Chairman. During his tenure the organization has grown in size and influence and has excelled in caring for those who have no one else to speak for them. “There is no doubt that we are better at what we do today because of Terry’s leadership. The organization has a better idea of what it can achieve because of his vision and compassion,” said Lynne M. Cooper, D.Min., Doorways President.

Those making the award cited Crow’s long-term vision is making a difference in government, health, education, and human rights.

Since 1995, Doorways’ annual dinner has been generously donated by St. Mary’s Health Center.
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March 05, 2008 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Louis-Based AIDS Housing Program Awarded $1.5 Million

Doorways Receives Federal Funds to Provide Housing and Services

for Men, Women, and Children Living With HIV/AIDS

February 2008 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sister Sledge Show Featuring Kathy Sledge to Headline

Event Benefitting Interfaith AIDS Housing Organization

Tickets Now Available for Doorways’ Planet RED Black-Tie Gala St. Louis’

Largest Event Supporting Housing Programs for People Living with HIV/AIDS

(ST. LOUIS, MO) – On Saturday, February 9, 2008, Doorways will present its seventh annual RED gala to support housing for people living with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis area. Last year’s celebration was the most successful event in Doorways’ 19-year history, raising more than $250,000 and reinforcing its reputation as “the most fun black-tie gala in St. Louis” … and Planet RED is poised to surpass previous milestones and attract more support than ever! This year’s event promises to be a fabulous show as disco sensation Sister Sledge joins us to sing their red hot hits: “We Are Family", "He’s The Greatest Dancer", "My Guy", and many more!

Kathy Sledge and company will be present for a special V.I.P. reception preceding the main event. Planet RED is presented by THF Realty and is sponsored by many of St. Louis’ most prominent corporations, businesses, and individuals. Amy Gill from St. Louis Restoration and Michael Staenberg, THF Realty Chief, are the Chairs of this year’s event. STLTV’s Gilberto Pinela will emcee the event. Sponsorships are still available – for more information contact Shannon McGarry at (314) 535-1919 ext. 3049.

November 2007 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Saint Louis) – On November 15th, 2007, William Alan Donius will receive the St. Louis Chapter of the Association of Professional Fundraisers’ Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award. This prestigious award recognizes Donius for his generosity to St. Louis area nonprofits and the creativity he has demonstrated which has led to increased fundraising. DOORWAYS was proud to nominate their long time friend for this award as a result to his leadership in its RED gala and St. Louis Halloween, both of which provide vital funding for housing programs for men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS.

Bill Donius serves on the Board of Trustees at the Saint Louis Art Museum where he chairs the Corporate Partnership Committee, Co-Chairs the Major Gifts Committee, and serves as a member on the Finance, Major Gifts, and Capital Campaign Committees. At Maryville University, he serves on the Board of Trustees and chairs the Institutional Advancement Committee. Mr. Donius is a Board Member at the Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation, Forest Park Forever, America's Community Bankers, and RHCDA. In each of these positions, he has been highly successful at increasing membership and attendance at events, raising revenues, and increasing publicity. He also serves as a member of 2007 Health Care Task Force for the Regional Business Council.

In addition to his leadership on many Boards in the community, Donius is active on many of the region’s event and fundraising committees. Since 2004 he has chaired DOORWAYS’ annual fundraising gala “RED.” In 2006 and 2007, Bill served as the Corporate Chair for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Annual Walkathon and as a member on the 2007 Siteman Cancer Gala Committee for the Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation. He also serves on KWMU’s 2007 Capital Campaign Steering Committee.

In April, 2007, Mr. Donius received DOORWAYS' Special Donor Award for his creativity and generosity in designing and hosting events that benefited DOORWAYS. As a result of Bill’s initiative, numerous deserving St. Louis organizations have grown stronger and better prepared to serve the community.
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