Crystal Stone's sister Jo-Ellen. (Courtesy photo)

A sister's memory inspires Crystal Stone's fundraiser
QSanAntonio.com, July 19, 2011

Crystal Stone remembers back to 1991 when she participated in her first AIDS walk in her hometown of Philadelphia. “I told myself to get involved in something and not wait for it to hit home and then get involved. I walked, made some friends and shed some tears and we raised a lot of money for HIV/AIDS,” she says.

Stone, a former local radio personality and DJ, is still raising money 20 years after her first AIDS walk. Her commitment to fundraising was sealed when her sister Jo-Ellen was diagnosed with AIDS. “When we were told that Jo had AIDS we were also told that she had six months to a year to live,” she told QSanAntonio.

“Well we were blessed in a wonderful way. Due to the efforts of many people who donated their time and money, Jo-Ellen lived five long years. I have seen personally how your donations work. Jo was able to have food delivered to her home, assistance with her rent and help paying for her medication.” Jo-Ellen died on June 7, 1996.

Stone is the proprietor of C. Stone Entertainment who serves as emcee for several community events each year. During the past 10 years, she has organized an auction timed to coincide with SAAF’s Walk for Life.

This year’s 10th Annual Crystal Stone SAAF Auction will be held on September 9 at the Bermuda Triangle. The auction items include guitars signed by well-known recording artists.
Last year Stone raised over $ 4,300 for the Walk for Life. Over the years, she’s raised over $41,000 in donations for SAAF. In addition to raising funds for the agency, she has served as emcee for the WEBB Party and the Walk for Life.

"There will be a live and silent auction during which I will act as the auctioneer. I collect autographed items specifically for this auction and I call on civic minded organizations to become involved as well," says Stone. "I invite and encourage you to put together a team of walkers and join me and many others on that day. Together we can work to stomp out AIDS"

The 10th Annual Crystal Stone SAAF Auction will be held Friday September 9, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Bermuda Triangle with a Happy Hour Preview starting at 6pm. To donate an auction item or for more information go to djcrystalstone.com or email crystalstone@djcrystalstone.com. The Walk for Life is on September 17 at Woodlawn Lake Park.