Rev. Lynda T. Rassman Receives Award for 'Praise-Worthy' Efforts in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS

New York, NY (PRWEB) June 20, 2008 -- Rev. Lynda T. Rassman will receive The Pocketbook Honors on June 28 in New York City. The award will be presented in a ceremony following a special afternoon performance of The Pocketbook Monologues.

"Rev. Lynda T. Rassman is a true champion and proponent of AIDS education and awareness. This is our first year presenting the award and she sets a high standard," says Sharon K. McGhee, creator of The Pocketbook Monologues. The Pocketbook Honors is bestowed to community leaders who have exhibited a commitment to promoting awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS, with an emphasis on African-American women's sexuality, intimacy and responsibility. Honorees may be recognized for program implementation, creativity in outreach methods, philosophy, mission longevity and/or systemic solutions or alliances.

"Her vision and leadership have been phenomenal and we are so pleased to present her with The Pocketbook Honors this year," says presenters, Dr. Miriam Burnett, President of R.A.P.H.A. Foundation, Inc., and Cheryl Scales, President of Magnificent Women Organization.

A native of South Carolina, Rev. Lynda T. Rassman was called to the ministry at the age of 12, and activated her faith at the age of 19. Since immersing herself into what she described as a 'more holistic ministry', Rev. Rassman has dedicated her life to helping children and families, including 23 years spent teaching special education.

Rev. Rassman's first pastoral charge in a Southern Jersey congregation was a member who had been infected with HIV. At the time there were few facts, and a great sense of fear of the disease loomed over both the church and the community. When she visited the member's home she immediately realized that she had been called to fight the fear of HIV/AIDS with education. She embarked on a mission of educating the community and helping and encouraging others lead, lift and support from the heart those who were facing HIV/AIDS.

Rev. Rassman has played an integral part in the New Jersey Human Development Corporation as Program Director of Project F.A.I.T.H (Families Acquiring Information Together on HIV/AIDS). Project F.A.I.T.H. is a statewide, community-level HIV/AIDS education and prevention program that targets faith leaders in various houses of worship or non-traditional settings throughout the State of New Jersey. Rev. Rassman also serves as the Program Director of Project Rebuild, SISTAS and Rapid Testing.

This year the Pocketbook Honors will be presented to Rev. Lynda T. Rassman, as well as Rev. J. Stanley Justice and Maxine Frere in conjunction with the New York City premiere of The Pocketbook Monologues featuring creator Sharon K. McGhee, Kim Coles, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Jacque Reid, Toni Belafonte, Sheron Smith and Harlem's Coin Purse, Taylor Jenkins-Thompson. The entertaining event is made possible with partners, the Magnificent Women Organization, The Muse -A Kimpton Hotel, R.A.P.H.A. Foundation, Inc., and Pocketbook Media. The on-stage production will take place at the Helen Mills Theatre. Tickets are $35.00 for General Admission and $75.00 for VIP Seating, which also includes an autographed copy of The Pocketbook Monologues. 'Meet & Greet' Private Celebrity Reception tickets are also available.

For more information about the show, or to purchase tickets, visit www.tpbmnyc.com.

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