Red Ribbons

* I’m writing in response to the billboard negating the value of the AIDS awareness “red ribbon.” The billboard states “Unfortunately red ribbons do not have any nutritional value,” with a picture of a giant red ribbon on it. The public should be aware of the value our red ribbons have for people living with AIDS.

Project Angel Food, which sponsors the billboard campaign, receives funding from our organization to the tune of more than $4,000 since November, 1992. We donate 100% of the profits from sales of our ribbons to Project Angel Food and other AIDS organizations.

I will give our critics that an individual red ribbon has never fed anyone living with AIDS. But when people are purchasing red ribbons from foundations like ours (a fully recognized 501 (c) 3 corporation) where 100% of the proceeds go into direct services for people living with AIDS, then red ribbons do have some nutritional value.

BRIAN COTTON, Founder

Red Ribbon Foundation, Hollywood