'Drive Out AIDS' Raffle Series: Tori Payne Wins a Carnival Cruise for 2
Tori Payne has won a five-day, four-night Carnival cruise for two as an early-bird winner of the Drive Out AIDS, Win a New Car raffle sponsored by Car Pros Kia of Carson, Calif.
"I was totally surprised, excited, elated when they pulled my name in the drawing. It was really a blessing!" says Payne, a native Angeleno who has worked in health care for 32 years, most recently as a medical records reviewer for a well-known insurance company.
"I wasn't connected with the Institute, but after all the information that was provided by the speakers that day, I signed up for their newsletters to stay abreast on what's happening in our community," says Payne. "I'm glad that The Black AIDS Institute is here for our community—a place where people can go and feel safe to get information."
Indeed, Payne had only gone to the dealership to obtain routine service for her daughter's car. "I didn't have a clue what was going on until Mr. Alabama came and invited my mom, my daughter and me to come listen to the speakers. Then he encouraged us to enter the drawing for the 2014 Kia Forte or Carnival cruise."
Celebrated salesman Alvin "Alabama" Lovett, who has a cousin living with HIV, wanted to do something to promote awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He was willing to purchase a car to offer as a raffle prize when his boss, owner Ken Phillips, stepped in and donated the car.
Through opportunities such as the Drive Out AIDS raffle, the Institute keeps communities connected, engaged and informed. Continue to support the fight to end AIDS! Purchase your tickets for the Drive Out AIDS final raffle for the 2014 Kia Forte or another Carnival Cruise for two, which will take place on May 20, 2014 at the 15th Annual Heroes in the Struggle gala, by calling 213-353-3610, ext. 107, or sending an email to
Gerald Garth is a Los Angeles-based writer, actor and accountant who works for The Black AIDS Institute.