Sexy, moving and inspiring. That’s the video created by Jack Mackenroth, the former Project Runway designer turned HIV activist, to promote his effort to raise $50,000 for Braking AIDS Ride.
The 285-mile ride from Boston to New York City on Sept. 12-14 (the East Coast equivalent of California’s AIDS Lifecycle) benefits Housing Works, the New York City-based organization whose mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through advocacy and providing health and other services
In the video, a shirtless Mackenroth makes the pitch for donations and appears to choke back tears as he describes the sudden death of his former lover, Greg Leo Beutler, from an AIDS-related illness in 1996. Mackenroth himself has been living with HIV for almost 25 years.
Over the years he has become an HIV activist, these days putting more of an emphasis on that than on his work as a fashion designer. Last year he brought to Los Angeles the HIV Equal campaign, which featured photos of local celebrities and other who were HIV positive and negative in an effort to combat the stigma surrounding HIV.
“Having been diagnosed as HIV-positive 25 years ago, this is a cause that is obviously a very personal one, and although I have worked with and lent my face to countless HIV charities, organizations and campaigns, I have never directly asked for donations,” Mackenroth said. “I am setting the bar very high here to see what’s possible. I’m hopeful that others out there are as passionate as I am and are willing to support me.”
Working with Mackenroth in the campaign are Martone Cycling Co and Scruff. Martone has donated two bikes to the ride. Those who donate $100 dollars or more will automatically be entered in a raffle to win one of the bikes while the second bike will be given to the person who is the highest overall fundraiser other than Mackenroth. The bikes retail for over $1,500. Scruff, the gay mobile phone app, also is supporting Braking AIDS Ride by purchasing team jerseys for Mackenroth’s team, the Mack Pack. Scruff also will be matching up to $2,500 in donations later this month.
Donations can be made online. Those who donate $250 or more to the cause will receive a shirtless photo of Mackenroth, personalized with a name or social media handle on his chest. Mackenroth is offering a personalized picture of his butt to donors of $1,000 or more —with two takers to date.
“Housing Works is honored that Jack is devoting his time, energy and social media prowess to raise awareness and funds for our fight to end AIDS and homelessness,” said Charles King, Housing Works CEO. “The money Jack raises will directly fund the lifesaving services we provide to nearly 4,000 individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. We’re looking forward to riding with him in September.”
The Mack Pack, currently has 15 riders and to date they have collectively raised over $31,000. It is still accepting registrations online.
“I’d like to beat the team total record as well which is close to $150,000,” Mackenroth said. “We’ll see if people who read this will be motivated enough and selfless enough to give money to total strangers who are really struggling on a day-to-day basis.
