Don Maison
AIDS Services of Dallas will celebrate its 25th anniversary Friday with a tribute to its two founders, Michael R. Merdian and Daryl M. Moore.
Both Merdian and Moore died of complications from AIDS — Moore in August 1988 at the age of 27, and Merdian in March 1993 at 36.
ASD’s provides quality, affordable, medically supportive housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. The agency is the largest of its kind in Texas and has four residential facilities in Dallas County.
“Providing people with a decent place to live gives them dignity and pride,” said Don Maison, who’s served as president and CEO of ASD since 1989. “Their lives have been enriched and their health improved. I’m proud that we’re a top-notch program recognized throughout the country as among the very best.”
On April 28, 1987, ASD was incorporated as the PWA Coalition of Dallas. Since then the organization has provided more than 1 million nights of housing to more than 1,800 people.
Awards will be presented to honor individuals and businesses whose involvement and commitment to Dallas’ HIV/AIDS Community have made a tremendous impact. These honorees are Baron and Blue Foundation, Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS, DoorKing of Texas, Judith Powell and Terril Slusser and Bradley Patenaude. An ASD resident who has demonstrated excellence in the spirit of the mission of AIDS Services of Dallas will receive the Michael R. Merdian Memorial Award.
The Founders Day celebration will be held at Revlon House in Oak Cliff at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. It is free and open to the public. The Revlon House is at 720 N. Lancaster Ave. in Oak Cliff.
