For Love The Golden Rule, 2024 was a year of growth, impact, and unwavering commitment to inclusive and compassionate healthcare.
From expanding our reach to hosting impactful events, we’ve made incredible strides in serving vulnerable populations across Tampa Bay. As we reflect on our achievements, we’re also looking forward to 2025 with exciting plans, including the opening of our second location, the Willie Walton Memorial Clinic.
Join us as we celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and share how we’ll continue to create meaningful change in the year ahead.
2024 in Review: A Year of Impact
In 2024, Love The Golden Rule proudly served more patients than ever before. Our numbers tell a story of lives touched and communities uplifted:
- Patients served: Hundreds of individuals accessed life-changing care, from Hep-C and HIV treatment to gender-affirming services.
- Funds raised: Through our World AIDS Day events and other community initiatives, we raised over $20,000 to support our programs.
- Events hosted: From our World Hepatitis Day to our World AIDS Day Brunch, we connected with the community through three impactful community events.
One of the most significant milestones of the year was the opening of the Willie Walton Memorial Clinic. This second location, established in partnership with HonorAll Healthcare Services, is a transformative step forward for LTGR. This clinic will expand our ability to provide critical services to underserved populations, ensuring that more individuals have access to the compassionate care they deserve.
Dr. Bob Wallace, LTGR’s founder and medical director, reflected on the importance of this milestone:
“The Willie Walton Memorial Clinic represents a beacon of hope and access for those who need it most. This partnership with HonorAll Healthcare Services allows us to expand our mission and touch even more lives.”
Our team is the heart of Love The Golden Rule, and 2024 brought incredible new additions to our growing family. Spencer Rizk, DNCP, and Misa Vazquez, Chief Operating Officer (COO), joined LTGR with passion and a shared commitment to our mission.
“Every patient deserves dignity and respect,” said Mr. Rizk, who began seeing patients in October at our central avenue office. “I’m proud to work with LTGR to make that a reality. Joining this team has been an honor, and I’m excited about the impact we’ll make together.”
Our new COO, echoed this sentiment, “We’re not just growing; we’re building a stronger foundation for lasting impact in our community. I’m thrilled to help lead LTGR into this next chapter,” said Mr. Vazquez.
With their expertise and dedication, our team continues helping us strengthen our services and plan for a brighter future.
The Journey to Equitable Care Continues in 2025
The upcoming year holds so much potential for Love The Golden Rule as we continue to expand and innovate. The opening of the Willie Walton Memorial Clinic will allow us to serve even more patients across Tampa Bay, with a particular focus on increasing access to Hep-C and HIV/AIDS treatment programs. This second location represents our ongoing commitment to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities.
Our mission has always been rooted in compassion and inclusivity, and 2025 will see an even stronger emphasis on gender-affirming care. Despite the political attacks being endured by LGBTQ communities, we remain steadfast in serving by continuing to provide gender-affirming care and other treatments, from hormone replacement therapy to mental health resources. We will continue to stand with our patients, no matter what, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and supported.
“Healthcare should always be about inclusion, compassion and dignity, no matter the political climate,” said Dr. Bob, “Our doors are open to everyone who needs us.”
This year, in addition to our longstanding events such as the World AIDS Day Brunch, we are taking our community engagement efforts to the next level. Our PRIDE Month, World Hepatitis Day, and World AIDS Day celebrations will be bigger and better than ever, featuring expanded auction offerings, exclusive experiences, and enhanced opportunities for attendees to support our mission. By strengthening existing partnerships and forging new collaborations, we aim to amplify our reach and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.
We are also thrilled to introduce a brand-new event in 2025: Fashion with Passion, an exciting LGBTQ fashion show debuting on April 26th. This one-of-a-kind experience will bring together fashion, philanthropy, and community advocacy in an unforgettable evening.
As we grow, we are also focusing on expanding our volunteer program, particularly in support of our events. From volunteering to help work an event, to donating an experience or item to our auction, there are countless ways to get involved beyond financial contributions. We are always looking to deepen our connections within the community, and we welcome anyone who wants to support our mission in a meaningful way. Whether through time, talent, or resources, every effort helps us extend our impact and continue providing compassionate care to those who need it most.
How You Can Support Us
Love The Golden Rule’s mission relies on the generosity of our community. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Donate: Every contribution helps us provide life-saving care to those who need it most
- Volunteer or Sponsor: Partner with us to support events and initiatives.
- Join our community: Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, and spread the word about LTGR’s mission.
Your support fuels our ability to serve, grow, and innovate. Together, we can create a healthier, more compassionate future.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we look back on 2024, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for our patients, donors, volunteers, staff, and partners. Each of you plays a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission.
We are entering 2025 with excitement, hope, and a renewed commitment to providing compassionate, inclusive healthcare. Thank you for being part of our journey—and we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.
Ready to make an impact in 2025? Learn more about our mission here, donate, or get involved today!