March 27, 2014
On March 27, 2014 we lost our dear friend, Carey W. Craig.
Carey spent most of his adult life living and working in the Bay Area. In the early days of the AIDS crisis, Carey served as a board member for the Academy of Friends (known in those days as Friends of Oscar). Carey, along with his fellow board members, carefully guarded and nurtured the legacy of the Academy of Friends gala, a signature of HIV/AIDS fundraising in the Bay Area. The gala was a social highlight of the year, where old friends would gather and be guaranteed a glass of bubbly at the door, a warm welcome from the board and an evening of delights �" much of if orchestrated under Carey's watchful eye. The gala continues today and the Academy of Friends has raised millions of dollars for various Bay Area AIDS organizations, thanks in part to Carey and his service and leadership with the organization.
In 1989, Carey left the board to assume his role as co-executive director of the organization, a position he held for well over a decade. In addition, Carey was a founding partner of the David-Carey Group, focusing on HIV-related fundraising nationwide. One of the pinnacle events under his tenure at the David-Carey Group was 7th On Sale. The 7th On Sale weekend drew thousands of people from all walks of life and raised record millions for HIV research and care in the Bay Area. Through 25 years of fundraising, Carey became a respected, admired and dedicated individual in the HIV nonprofit community. He mentored many young professionals just starting out in the nonprofit fundraising world and his presence in this arena will be greatly missed.
Carey went on to form his own event company, CW Production Company, which expanded beyond the Bay Area and produced memorable civic, corporate, and social events worldwide. He was very passionate about his work and a true professional. His profession allowed him to indulge one of his greatest passions �" travel. Carey loved being on a plane, going somewhere new to explore or somewhere where he was welcomed by one of his many friends around the world.
Carey was an amazingly talented, handsome, and generous man. He had an infectious smile and never shied away from a challenge or a wonderful bottle of champagne. He carved out a sanctuary in his Sausalito home and it was the setting for many gatherings of friends and family over the years. He was demanding of others at times when he saw the potential that they could attain if they just pushed a bit harder, as he always did himself. He was an achiever, a mentor, and a friend to many.
We invite you to honor and remember Carey at a memorial to be held at one of his favorite organizations and places in San Francisco, the National AIDS Memorial Grove, on Saturday, May 3, from 2 to 5 p.m.