Karen and Gil Gleason of Orinda, California, became acquainted with Rev. Ezra and Marjorie Musobozi during visits to Uganda in 2001 and 2003.  The Gleasons admired the Musobozi’s courage and commitment in preventing HIV/AIDS through drama and learned of their vision to build an AIDS clinic and community center in their local village.  Karen and Gil decided to help and formed the Friends of Ruwenzori Foundation.  In March of 2005, “Friends” received 501(c)(3) status by the IRS as a public charity.
 
The "Friends" advisory board meets monthly on Saturdays around the breakfast table to discuss foundation business and fundraising. We were fortunate to have the consulting services of Ann Squires to get us off to a good start.  Through networking and holding a variety of fundraising events, donations have grown steadily from $11,000 in 2004 to $161,000 in 2009, including funds raised for the expansion of the AIDS clinic building and a future hospital (Health Center IV.)   “Friends” goal is to raise funds for KIDA’s programs as they expand with the increasing HIV positive client load.  In 2010, “Friends” hopes to raise $106,000 for KIDA's ongoing programs and keep the administrative and fundraising costs below $12,000.  Karen and Gil have pledged to cover all those costs themselves, and so assure the donors that all funds raised go directly to the programs in Uganda.  “Friends” is an all-volunteer organization.  A new initiative chaired by Nancy Swig has begun to raise funds for a future mini-hospital at KIDA.