I commit to bring civility into my daily life in all interactions by treating everyone with respect, consideration and kindness regardless of differing beliefs opinions or actions.

This is the civility pledge I’ve been hearing about since that Tucson Tragedy on January 8, 2011, where 19 innocent citizens were shot in front of that Safeway on Ina/Oracle, and six died as a result.

One of those shot, Ron Barber, former District Director of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords started up the Fund for Civility Respect and Understanding while he was recovering in the ICU at University Medical Center from 2 gunshot wounds. Ron has mostly recovered and is now the Democratic nominee for the open CD 8 House seat (since his injured boss resigned on January 25, 2012).

The advisory board of the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding feels it is important to commit to individual and collective civility. As the meaning of civility can vary from person to person, the board found it necessary to commit to a group statement and also allow for individuals to elaborate on that statement with their own personal definition and commitment. A task force was formed that created a process for group commitments.

This last week a couple of people were uncivil in speaking with me (harsh tone of scolding, criticizing, etc.) and I thought about that pledge, realizing that they were not addressing me with respect and consideration. But I will continue to try to treat them with civility, respect and understanding, as I have taken this pledge.

More info: www.fundforcivility.org.

Yesterday I attended the Fund’s Anti-Bullying Task Force event at the Loft Theater (click here for earlier blog) and was inspired to see how elementary/middle/high school students were addressing the on-going bullying at their schools. These students created 30 minute video PSAs with strong messages about speaking out to end bullying, to be an ally to someone being bullied. The winners in each category (elementary,middle,high,and adult) were announced at the event, and will be posted on their website shortly. These PSAs will be converted to radio spots as well for 94.9 MIX FM, per Bobby Rich, DJ who attended the event. The awards were presented by former Wildcat basketball player Joseph Blair, who spoke a bit of the racial bullying he has experienced as a Black American. More info at www.endofbullying.com.

Eat. Sip. Bid!

at Jerome Beillard Festival for Life on Saturday Nov 19, at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road (east of La Canada, north side).

“Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuveres, and a no-host bar while viewing and bidding on more than 600 pieces of artwork, one-of-a-kind experiences, and gift packages featured in the Festival for Life live and silent auctions”, now in its 23rd year.

5:30 p.m. event registraton
6:00 p.m. silent auction dorrs open
7:00 p.m. live auction begins

Auction items include a trip for 2 to Bali, Mexican vacation packages, framed artwork by local artists Gail Marcus-Orlen, Liz Vaughn & Wil Taylor, framed photographs by Betsy Leacock and Lorraine Darconte, a ballet-themed Christmas tree, gifts baskets.

Each year, Festival for Life features more than 80 framed Paper Prayers for bids in our silent auction as well as 100s more unframed for sale at $10 each. Paper Prayers are created by artists, SAAF staff, clients, and volunteers and are one of the highlights of each year’s event. In Japan, when someone is ill, friends and family bring pieces of artwork on strips of paper, the traditional gift to inspire good health.
Bidding on framed Paper Prayers begins at $40.

Featured entertainment by Flam Chen, the Street Minstrels, Jose Luis Puerta.
Moderated by Lupita Murillo, KVOA Channel 4, and Bobby Rich, 94.9 MIX fm.

More info: www.festvalforlife.org or call 520-628-7223. All proceeds benefit SAAF, the Southern AZ Aids Foundation, www.saaf.org. It’s fitting to use these paper prayers to aid in the healing of SAAF’s clients.

Tickets are $25 in advance (purchase online) or $35 at the door.

December 8, 1989 was the first Festival of the Trees, a fundraiser for the People with AIDS Coalition of Tucson (P.A.C.T). The event auctioned off nearly 200 decorated trees and wreathes for the holiday season. Over the years, the event grew and in 1992, Festival of the Trees became Festival for Life adding artwork, menorahs, and celebrity items. That year also had a special appearance by Miss Mary Wilson, formerly of the Supremes. In 1995, P.A.C.T.’s co-founder and Executive Director, Jerôme Beillard, passed away from AIDS complications and Festival for Life was renamed to the Jerôme Beillard Festival for Life – honoring the work and spirit of a great man. Each year added amazing artwork, designer Christmas trees, gift baskets, celebrity items and sculptures. Each year also added local sponsors and community members all supporting the same cause.

Can’t attend but want to support Festival for Life? Make a $10 donation by texting “SAAF” to 20222 on your cell phone.