1. Jacobson Elementary Students/AFAN
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For Immediate Release For More Information, Contact:
April 7, 2006 Jennifer Mesa, 702/382­2326 or mesajm@wellsfargo.com
3​rd​
Grade Teacher Inspires Students to Break Record
Jacobson Elementary Class Strives to Raise Big Dollars for AFAN
Keith Frank believes that meaningful education extends beyond the four walls of the classroom.
This is why his third grade students at Walter Jacobson Elementary School, in partnership with Focus
Properties, are hoping to raise at least $10,000 for the 16​th​
Annual AIDS Walk.
Frank encourages his third­grade classes to participate in the annual walk each year. He
emphasizes that when students raise money for Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN), they have an expanded
opportunity to learn about very important concepts, other than the single topic of HIV/AIDS. “This
experience teaches the children about philanthropy, diversity, and community commitment. They also learn
invaluable lessons about personal safety and physical fitness,” said Frank.
According to Frank, children in his class learn age­appropriate information about HIV/AIDS.
Parents give permission for this instruction and their children’s participation in the annual walk. “Because
information—and disinformation—about the HIV/AIDS epidemic is everywhere, it is critical that we teach
them the truth and how to dispel the myths that often surround the disease,” said Frank.
Frank is proud of his students’ eagerness to learn about this disease. “They know the ‘who, what,
when, where, why, and how’ of the disease. Also, they know how important their own efforts are in
combating it.”
The children themselves say it best. “You should treat everyone like they don’t have AIDS.,” says
one student. Another student comments, “Tell others how to be safe. Be nice to people with AIDS, and
don’t make fun of them.” Still another says, “You can’t get AIDS from talking with them, hugging them, or
holding their hands.”

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(MORE)
Frank, who moved to Las Vegas in xxx, has been involved with AFAN since his arrival. Based on
his research about HIV/AIDS, its prevalence, and its impact on communities, Frank wanted to do more. He
developed a constructive curriculum to teach his students about the disease and how they can make a
difference.
This year will mark the fifth year that the Jacobson third graders will don their purple shirts,
walking proudly together, for the AIDS Walk. The team goal is $5,000. Inspired by the children’s
commitment to this walk, Focus Properties, a southern Nevada real estate developer, plans to match what
the children raise, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. “We’re devoted to building quality communities, and
we’re inspired when people, particularly children, are committed to helping others,” said John Ritter, CEO,
Focus Properties.
Last year’s third graders raised $3,000 for AFAN, and many of those children, as well as earlier
participants, will join their Jacobson schoolmates for this year’s AIDS Walk.
To track the fund­raising progress of the Jacobson third grade walkers, please log on to
www.AFANLV.org​ .
AFAN’s 16​th​
Annual AIDS Walk is slated to take place downtown on April 23​rd​
beginning at 9am.
The 2.5 mile walk starts outside on 3​rd​
Street and Ogden, and the length of the walk will be filled with local
entertainment. All proceeds raised from the AIDS Walk will benefit individuals in the Las Vegas
community living with HIV/AIDS.
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Founded in 1984, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in
the state of Nevada. AFAN is dedicated to providing support and advocacy for the nearly 2,000 registered
men, women and children of Southern Nevada infected with HIV/AIDS. Client­service programs promote
dignity, improve the quality of life and enhance the physical health and psychosocial wellness of those

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suffering from HIV/AIDS. In turn, an environment of understanding, compassion and acceptance is
fostered.
Direct client­services include food programs and prevention/educations programs. In addition, AFAN
works to educate the general public about HIV/AIDS in order to reduce HIV infection and eliminate fear,
prejudice, stigma and ignorance often associated with the disease. For more information, call: (702)
382­AFAN or visit: www.afanlv.org.
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