St. Cecilia parishioner to be honored for AIDS work

A Baltimore Catholic parishioner and an Owings Mills Jewish cantor will be honored by the Steven Kaufman AIDS Outreach Project April 10 during an interfaith Seder tribute to those touched by HIV.

The 8th Seder of Hope – cosponsored by the Jewish Family Services of Baltimore and the Archdiocese of Baltimore – will be held 6 p.m. in Doyle Hall at College of Notre Dame of Maryland at 4701 N. Charles St. in Baltimore.

St. Cecilia, Baltimore, parishioner Lynda Brown and Har Sinai Congregation, Owings Mills, Cantor Nancy Ginsberg are being honored for their commitment to AIDS/HIV prevention and treatment research, said Robin Sweeney, health educator for The Steven Kaufman AIDS Outreach Project.

Ms. Brown currently serves as health promotions coordinator for the Baltimore City Commission on Aging and Retirement Education and serves as president of the social action ministry at her church that focuses on HIV/AIDS and chronic illnesses.

Ms. Ginsberg is responsible for introducing the Seder of Hope to Baltimore in 2000, said Gail Lipsitz, community relations coordinator for Jewish Family Services.

The Seder of Hope is a fundraising event for the Steven Kaufman AIDS Outreach Project.

The program offers education and outreach to raise community awareness about HIV/AIDS and the risky behaviors associated with the spread of the virus, Ms Lipsitz said, “while addressing the issues of personal responsibility and values in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

Cost of the Seder of Hope is $18 per person and reservations can be made by calling Harriett Slatow at 410-356-8383 ext. 357.

“This is a unique opportunity to come together as a community of faith to support each other and offer hope as we fight this illness,” said Colleen Brady Lippens, health educator for The Steven Kaufman AIDS Outreach Project.