The Head Octopi are the leaders of the Octopus Club. They serve in teams of two for one 2-year term. There are two teams of two serving overlapping two year terms, so that at any given time there are four Head Octopi, two in their first year and two in their second year. A Head Octopus is a volunteer like you who steps forward to lead our effort for a period of time. That is it. There is no Board of Directors, no paid staff, no office, no nothing except a resolve to raise as much money as we can to offer emergency assistance to our neighbors living with HIV and AIDS. AND to keep doing so as the need persists.

Lew Aldridge, The Founder.

Email: laldridge@alori.net, Phone: 512-293-1250

Lew Aldridge, founded The Octopus Club in the late 80's while volunteering at AIDS Services of Austin. At that time, persons with AIDS got sick and died quickly. Often, there was no work or family support for these individuals. Lew recognized this and created the organization that addressed emergency service. As founder of The Octopus Club and supporter of many other non-profits, Lew has changed the landscape of fundraising in Austin, Texas.

The 2010-2011 Head Octopus Club Leaders

Summer McKee

Like so many, Summer came to Austin to attend the University of Texas and quickly fell in love with the city's vibrant energy and unique culture. A late bloomer, Summer admitted to herself and the world that that she preferred the romantic company of woman and "came out" her senior year of college. Not knowing how to "jump in the pool" as it were, she quickly started volunteering with various groups including the Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival (aGLIFF) where, after a few years of enthusiastic service, she was invited to join the Board of Directors. After a 2 year stint, time constraints forced her to step down, but she never forgot the sense of accomplishment which came from knowing her time and energy were playing a positive role in the community. Constantly looking for other ways to "give back," Summer attended her first OctoTea dance almost a decade ago and was immediately hooked! The workings of The Octopus Club were to remain a mystery, however, until 2008, when, after volunteering with AIDS Services of Austin "Viva Las Vegas" event, she met several members of the Club and was encouraged to be a part of planning the upcoming OctoTea dance. She jumped right in and the rest, as they say, is history still in the making!

Mary English Morrison

I’m a 65+ year old grandmother, who was introduced to The Octopus Club in 2007.  Although I’ve worked in the AIDS activism community since 1985, I’ve never encountered an all-volunteer group so committed and determined to improving the lives of people with HIV/AIDS.  Sure, we have a great time doing what we do, but the real satisfaction comes from knowing that we’ve made this difference in the lives of those who are struggling to live.  I don’t know what it’s like to be a person assisted by the Paul Kirby Fund, but I do know what it was like before the days of the Fund, when no resources or benefits were available.  Being asked to serve in this capacity is a great honor that I will treasure for the rest of my life, as well as the friendship of the wonderful Octopi I’ve met along the way.  Besides, I have more fun than any other old lady I know!

The 2011-2012 Head Octopus Club Leaders

Marcus Sanchez

I'm Marcus Sanchez and I've been an active committee member of the Octopus Club for the past 3 years, though I have been donating to ArtErotica for the past 6. I learned about the Octopus Club and the Paul Kirby Fund after attending my first ArtErotica party and was very impressed by this amazing group of volunteers. It wasn't until 2008 after witnessing a dear friend utilize the Paul Kirby Fund, in a dire time in his life, that I felt the need to learn more about the group behind this life changing fund. What better way but to jump in and get your hands a little dirty with the planning committees? After meeting with a former HO I was quickly brought on as the Graphic Designer for OctoTea 13. Since then I've been volunteering on some level with creative design, marketing, and artist recruitment for both OctoTea and ArtErotica. I am honored to serve as a Head Octopus and take great pride in the opportunity to work in educating people about the Octopus Club and more importantly the Paul Kirby Fund and the assistance it provides to our friends and neighbors living with HIV and AIDS.

Layne Box

I have been involved with the Octopus Club for 2 years now. I not only chaired a number of Octopus Club events, I have also chaired events for AIDS Services of Austin and Equality Texas. I cannot imagine what it is like living with a life-threatening disease and struggling for assistance. I can only hope that the work that we do helps friends living with HIV/AIDS have a better quality of life, without stressing over basic needs. I do not know the exact number of people we have reached through events or through the Paul Kirby Emergency Fund, but I do know that this organization, its members, donors and all that attend an OC event have truly made me proud to be part of this organization. I cannot express what an honor it is to be in this position, but hope to prove my thanks through the work I do.  

Honor Roll of Former HOs

Note:  Names of some of those serving as HOs in the early days have been lost.  Any former HO who served, and whose name is not on this list; and help us correct any errors; please let us know at octoteadance@gmail.com, so that the list can be revised.