Sketch of Ricky's Retreat by Nico Nunez.

By Jason Gutierrez

Bakersfield’s AIDS Project has come across a difficult time in today’s economy. Ricky’s Retreat, the nonprofit’s community resource center and hospice home located on 910 Grace St., is in foreclosure. Executive director of the nonprofit Audrey Chavez says the organization would like to purchase the house at an estimated $90,000. So far $35,000 has been raised.

Indie-rocker Eric Himan will perform at the "Saving Grace" fundraiser.

In a grassroots effort to aid the nonprofit, a handful of friends decided to take a stand and lend a helping hand. From September to December, fundraisers will be held for the hospice home and resource center.

On the evening of Sept. 15, “Saving Grace,” the first fundraiser to benefit Ricky’s Retreat, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Metro Galleries, 1604 19^th St. in downtown Bakersfield. The event promises to be a night of tasting fine wines, an exquisite silent auction of local art and phenomenal acoustic music by the talented Eric Himan.

David Trujillo was inspired by the organization’s mission and dedication to its community. He and a small group of friends hope to raise $50,000 by December.

“I saw Audrey Chavez’s call for assistance early this year. I hadn’t been involved in the community and thought this was an opportunity for me to get active,” Trujillo says.  “After speaking with Audrey and learning how she was inspired after the passing of her brother, it was evident she had a compassion for this community. When someone gives from the heart, like Audrey does, you know her clients are receiving both care and love. It is great to witness her dedication.”

Performing at the event is indie-rocker Eric Himan. Having made a name for himself in support of civil rights and AIDS foundations across the country, Eric was eager to help Bakersfield’s AIDS Project.

“I have friends who are HIV-positive and who have at times been diagnosed with AIDS and fortunately for them (and for these times), they were able to bring their T-cell counts up,” Himan says. “I hear my older friends speak of those who have passed away to AIDS and I want to be able to do something to help raise awareness and money, for not just my friends but for those close to me, too.”

The origin of Ricky’s Retreat

In 2003, Bakersfield’s AIDS Project (BAP) volunteers became aware of the shortage of housing and hospice homes for local people living with AIDS when a 34-year-old woman begged a BAP volunteer to take her home, as she did not want to die in a hospital.

Bakersfield’s AIDS Project searched until they found a beautiful four-bedroom home that was built in 1912 in East Bakersfield. The woman’s peace of mind was apparent in her smile as she looked upon the team of volunteers who quickly readied the place for her welcome. Her children were able to visit and shared her last days alongside her in peace and surrounded by love and compassion.

Ricky’s Retreat has served as a hospice home for 13 clients since opening its doors. The location is also used as a resource center for people living with HIV/AIDS. It offers counseling and care packages of food and hygiene items.

To help rescue Ricky’s Retreat by attending “Saving Grace,” please contact Jason Gutierrez at 661-496-9245. Admission to the fundraiser is $30. For more information, you can also visit www.communitiesreachingout.blogspot.com or www.bakersfieldaidsproject.org.