The Head Octopi are the leaders of the Octopus Club. They serve in teams of two for one 2-year term. There are two teams of two serving overlapping two year terms, so that at any given time there are four Head Octopi, two in their first year and two in their second year.
A Head Octopus is a volunteer like you who steps forward to lead our effort for a period of time.
That is it. There is no Board of Directors, no paid staff, no office, no nothing except a resolve to raise as much money as we can to offer emergency assistance to our neighbors living with HIV and AIDS. AND to keep doing so as the need persists.
The 2008 Head Octopus Club Leaders
Arthur Landin
Email: octoart@gmail.com, Phone: 512-947-0921
Arthur has been involved with The Octopus Club since June of 2006 out of a need to give back to the community. His involvement began with chairing 2006's Octo Tea Dance. Since then he has continued to head committees for Octo Tea 2007 and 2008. Arthur has also lent support as committee member to ArtErotica and various other smaller Octopus Club events. In addition to the Octopus Club, Arthur has been community involved with the Austin Gay Pride Festival and also for the Hill Country AIDS Ride.
Richard Segal
Email: richardsegal@hotmail.com, Phone: 512-587-2210
It's hard to say how long I've been a member of the Octopus Club but I am glad for it. I do know that I am now my second year as a Head Octopi My involvement with the club started with an interview on News 8 Austin. I interviewed Michelle Patterson about the Million Dollar Party held in August, 2007 and the Octo Tea XII party held in October. She so impressed me with her knowledge of and passion for the Paul Kirby Fund that I asked her how I could get more involved. I was on the planning committees for both of the big parties in 2008 ... Art Erotica and Octo Tea XIII. I enjoy my association with this organization because it allows me to help our sisters and brothers who live with HIV/AIDS. I am humbled by the work the Club does.
Mark Fisette
Email: mfisette@yahoo.com, Phone: 512-426-1556
I have been involved with Octopus Club for over 3 years. I have also been involved with Hill Country Ride for AIDS for about 5 years. Having lost my brother to AIDS, I am grateful for what the Octopus Club does to assist those that are battling AIDS. Although my brother was in California, his advice to me was "help wherever you are." Good advice from a great guy. Simply doing my part. What I didn't expect was how much fun it would actually be to make a difference in so many lives!
Dale Atkinson
Email: datkinson@txhha.com, Phone: 512-426-1556
I'm Dale Atkinson and I've been involved with the Octopus Club for approximately 3 years. I started as a volunteer at Art Erotica and I was amazed by the incredible things this group can accomplish. I've been involved with AIDS Services of Austin as a volunteer for numerous years chairing VIVA Las Vegas, participating on the AIDS Walk as well as being on the production team for the Hill Country Ride for AIDS for 3 years. I'm not from Texas but hail from the great white North of Canada. I'm a nurse and my view of life is do all you can do and get involved.
Also involved in the leadership is Lew Aldridge, the founder.
Lew Aldridge
Email: laldridge@alori.net, Phone: 512-293-1250
Lew Aldridge, founded The Octopus Club in the late 80's while volunteering at AIDS Services of Austin. At that time, persons with AIDS got sick and died quickly. Often, there was no work or family support for these individuals. Lew recognized this and created the organization that addressed emergency service. As founder of The Octopus Club and supporter of many other non-profits, Lew has changed the landscape of fundraising in Austin, Texas.