10 | OutBoise Magazine | NEWS
OutBoise.com | Issue 4.2 | February 2015
Valentine for AIDS
FLYING M COFFEEHOUSE’S 22ND ANNUAL FUNDRAISER SET TO KICK OFF FEBRUARY 5TH
story by Gary Simpson
Kent Collins was generous enough to
take the time to sit down with us to discuss details on their annual Valentine for
AIDS event. This year marks the Flying
M’s 22nd year for the silent art auction.
Originally started by the Flying M’s
original owner, Lisa Myers, and was
taken over by Collins three years ago,
over $400,000 has been raised since the
event began, benefitting SNAP (Safety
Net for AIDS Program) of Boise. Last
year, the event raised over $24,000.
SNAP provides assistance in housing,
utility bills, groceries, and medical insurance payments for clients living with
HIV/AIDS.
Over 450 invitations are sent out to
local artists every year, who have contributed their own unique Valentine’s to
display around the shop over the years.
But, due to the space limitations, only
around 250 local artists are able to create and donate Valentine’s that will be
on display. There is usually a waiting list
for those who want to participate, due to
its popularity.
Planning an event of this caliber takes
months of preparation, typically starting
the details in early November. But Collins
has help from his staff, to ensure the
event is a success.
The artwork will be on display and
available for bidding starting Feb. 5, until
4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15 at Flying M
Coffeehouse in downtown Boise.
Valentine’s can be viewed from 9
a.m.m-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and
Sunday, Feb. 8, from 9-6 p.m.
If you would like additional information about Valentine for AIDS, you can
email Kent Collins or Kelly McLaughlin at:
[email protected].
For more information on SNAP you
can contact Jaime Perry at 367-7033.
There will be a private party for the
artists involved on Feb. 4 from 7-9 p.m.
during which time the Flying M will be
closed to the public.