Open Door helper’s job more than fundraising

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For Rick Kautz, director of resource and development for Open Door Clinic in Elgin, success is not measured just in funds raised, but also in improving lives of those affected by AIDS. | File~Sun-Times Media

Updated: February 7, 2012 8:00AM

This is another in a series of stories on local people who made news in 2011.

ELGIN — To Rick Kautz, director of resource and development for Open Door Clinic in Elgin, success is not measured just in funds raised but also in improving lives of those affected by AIDS.

A member of the Open Door Clinic board of directors, Kautz, 61, is a volunteer who coordinates the non-profit organization’s fundraisers. With the current economy, those events are more vital than ever, he said.

“Our ‘All Things Chocolate’ event last February was the biggest one we ever had,” said Kautz, who worked year-round to garner donations for the silent auction and dinner.

Dozens of celebrities donated autographed photos, posters and other memorabilia, and area businesses contributed gift certificates for goods or services. The event netted more than $30,000, Kautz said.

“We have over 400 clients,” he said, “It costs us over $1 million per year just to run (the clinic), so everything we do relies on contributions, like help from churches to get the food and clothing.”

But also invaluable to Kautz is the opportunity to bring dignity to someone dying of AIDS, he said. Open Door Clinic provides HIV testing, treatment and support. It does not turn anyone away for inability to pay, Kautz explained.

Other events he coordinated in 2011 didn’t bring in a monetary profit, but they did get the word out and reached people in need.

In September, Kautz welcomed Oscar winner Patty Duke to the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles; and in October, Melissa Manchester performed at The Hemmens Cultural Arts Center in Elgin to benefit Open Door Clinic.

“Those shows brought us clients because people who needed help saw us in the media and learned what we do,” he said.

The cause is personal for Kautz, who said he has lost loved ones to AIDS. His goal is to increase awareness and involvement for the disease.

“Not many people are really pushing to help AIDS causes,” he said. “Breast cancer programs, for example, are everywhere, but no one talks about AIDS.”

The Elgin resident is already working on the 12th Annual All Things Chocolate fundraiser, set for 7 p.m. March 10 at St. Andrews Country Club in West Chicago.

A former men’s suit salesman for Marshall Field & Co., Kautz said his work as a full-time volunteer has been a rewarding gift to him.

“Having lived all this time and seeing AIDS affect people, I just wondered if there was a way to help people live a longer life,” he said. “And that’s why I’m here.”