Global epidemic has a local impact

Mike Maginn, 54, and his father, Ray, 83, collect old refrigerators, washers, dryers, televisions and beds and deliver them to people pushed into poverty, some to the brink of homelessness, by HIV/AIDS.

"It's getting harder and harder for us to do these pickups," Maginn said, laughing about the physical part of his job.

The cerebral part of his work, as executive director of Central Illinois FRIENDS of PWA (which stands for People with AIDS), includes lobbying state and federal legislators, working on grant proposals, managing a $650,000 annual budget, designing new programs and services, fundraising, listening and caring.

That rare combination of mind, heart and muscle earned Maginn the statewide Arlene Valentine leadership award recently from the Illinois Department of Public Health for his work in HIV/AIDS prevention and care. The award is named after Arlene Valentine, who was a member of the McLean County AIDS Task Force and an advocate for social reform.

Maginn has been executive director at FRIENDS since 2004.

Marjorie Getz, a board member of the not-for-profit organization, said, "He saved FRIENDS. No question in my mind. He's an astute businessman with the heart and head of a nonprofit executive.

"He has a rare combination of skills. He's got a strong business sense and strong sense of compassion. He can walk that tightrope."

READ MORE on Peoria Journal Star's website