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Dear Octopus Club Friends,

Octopus Club has lost one of its leaders and most dedicated volunteers.  Almost all of you will remember Frank Garrahan. Frank has been a pillar of the Octopus Club from its very beginnings in 1989. He has hosted many events, served on dozens of Octopus Club planning committees, volunteered tirelessly for parties, and served as Head Octopus. In addition to all of this work he has also been one of Octopus Club's most generous benefactors for all of those 30 years.

Frank passed away from heart complications last week.  I know you will agree that he is irreplaceable.

I hope you had the pleasure of being the recipient of one of Frank's famous hugs, so warm and genuine. Even more likely you may have been the victim of one of Frank's very effective "asks" for your time, talent or donation. Asks that were so effective and compelling, but also so humble that there were two possible answers "yes" and "yes, of course I will". And if you were luckiest of all, you will remember savoring one of Frank's famous brownies or chocolate chip cookies which he baked over and over for almost every Octopus Club meeting.

Frank was a treasure. He led by example and was always there when needed. He never expected thank yous or recognition. He just gave and gave and gave, always with a smile on his face. His compassion for folks living with HIV/AIDS was limitless and his activism extended far beyond Octopus Club and the Paul Kirby AIDS Emergency Assistance Fund.

To honor Frank, AIDS Services of Austin is accepting donations for the Frank Garrahan Honorary Fund to go to the Paul Kirby AIDS Emergency Assistance Fund.

If you would like to honor Frank in this manner you can write a check to AIDS Services of Austin - Paul Kirby Fund with Frank Garrahan Honorary Fund in the memo and mail to:

AIDS Services of Austin
PO Box 4874, Austin, TX 78765

or to contribute by credit card click on this button:

Honor Frank's Memory

With warmest regards, 
Lew Aldridge and Octopus Club Volunteers