Fred Says’ mission is to ensure that all young people living with HIV receive the services they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Founded in 2012 by Dr. Robert Garofalo and his dog, Fred, Fred Says has worked to assist the HIV+ community through education, treatment, and prevention.
In 2021, Fred Says gave more than $200,000 to 10 organizations locally and around the world that serve HIV+ youth and young people affected by HIV.
Fred Says is recognized by the federal government as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.
IT STARTED WITH A PUPPY
Fred was born on October 24th, 2010 & adopted by Dr. Rob Garofalo, in January 2011.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and then HIV in 2010, Dr. Garofalo was going through the darkest period in his life. In January 2011, Rob adopted Fred! Fred helped Rob heal from his own HIV+ diagnosis creating a space for peace and joy in his life.
AN IDEA WAS BORN
Dr. Garofalo began to see a way to share the love of Fred with others in need.
Dr. Garofalo is a physician who has devoted his career to the care of HIV+ young people. With Fred’s help, Dr. Garofalo could work to make the world a better place for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Through their charitable effort Fred Says, they seek to create a self-sustaining charity that supports the health and well-being of HIV+ adolescents.
AN ONGOING MISSION
Fred and Rob's mission is just getting started, but has already influenced so many.
Fred Says turns their donations into making a difference. In 2014, Fred Says gave over $50,000 to organizations working with HIV+ youth on World AIDS Day. Fred Says is recognized by the federal government as a 501–C3 non-profit charitable organization.
Read our Strategic Framework to see how we plan to grow over the next five years.
YOU CAN HELP
We still have a lot of work to do, and we need the help of people like you.