|
Tuesday, 06 May 2008 17:11
|
 OC AIDS Walk Aims for Million Mark
With only a week away until OC AIDS Walk at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Saturday, May 10th, event organizers are hopeful that the Walk will far exceed its goal of $750,000.
Although past years has rendered it difficult for the Walk to raise over $600,000 at its former location on the campus of UC Irvine, a change of location to Angel Stadium of Anaheim and moving the day from Sunday to Saturday has proven effective in just the first year. “Bringing OC AIDS Walk to Angel Stadium of Anaheim was a wonderful way to appeal to a greater amount of individuals and families,” said Doug Vogel, Director of Public Affairs for AIDS Services Foundation Orange County (ASF). “As American as baseball and apple pie, the Walk even includes a pie eating contest,” said Vogel.
 Even in the midst of a struggling economy, corporations and walk-teams are stepping up their support at a much higher level than last year. “The amount of money currently raised for the Walk is 60% more than what was raised at this time last year,” said Yari Romandia, Director of Corporate Development, for ASF.
Also different than past years is the accelerated need for funding for HIV/AIDS programs and services. With Governor Schwarzenegger proposing over $11 million in cuts to HIV/AIDS programs for the 2008-2009 California State Budget, thousands of men, women, and children in Orange County are in danger of potentially losing life-vital programs. Over 85% of funds raised at OC AIDS Walk go directly to client services befitting 10 agencies that provide these services.
With state and national budget deficits and a higher level of unemployment nationally than in past years, what is it that is making this year’s Walk such a big success? Staff and event chairs believe that it is the positive message that the Walk brings to over a million Southern California residents. “I think people see a lot of uncertainty around them with the current political and economic climate and OC AIDS Walk gives people hope and certainty that they have a positive impact in their community and the lives of others,” said Jorge Rodriguez, M.D., President of the Board for ASF, who produces OC AIDS Walk. “A million for a million is one of our running themes that signifies our hope to raise $1 for each of the 1 million individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the United States,” added Rodriguez.
OC AIDS Walk includes an energizing opening ceremony, an approximate 5k interactive route that includes a victory lap around the baseball diamond warning track, live music, a family fun zone with games and prizes, an amazing food festival, and exhibits designed to educate and inspire participants to help fight AIDS in their communities.
Day of event Registration and ceremonies begin at 7:00am. The Walk begins at 9:00am. To register for the Walk, donate, or volunteer to help at the Walk, please visit online at WWW.OCAIDSWALK.ORG or call (949) 809-5750.
Founded in 1985, AIDS Services Foundation is the largest non-profit provider of care and services to people with HIV in Orange County, serving 1,600 clients across Orange County. Services include food, transportation, housing, emergency financial assistance, family support programs, mental health counseling, support groups, and HIV education and prevention services. For more information, please visit: http://www.ocasf.org.
|
Advertisements
Home 
News 
