The United States Center for Disease Control estimates that there were roughly 56,300 new HIV infections that occurred in the United States during 2006. This translates to approximately 154 new cases of HIV being diagnosed every day in America alone.
This shocking statistic demonstrates the need for HIV/AIDS care and prevention programs in the US. The AIDS Walk initiative helps to raise funds for these programs and supports their efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.
History of AIDS Walk
AIDS Walk San Diego began in 1989, although for two years prior to this it took place under the name “Walk for Life.” According to the AIDS Walk San Diego website, it is “San Diego’s largest one-day HIV/AIDS fundraiser and the biggest non-governmental financial provider for HIV/AIDS in San Diego County.”
In fact, the website goes on to say that AIDS Walk San Diego has raised nearly $7,000,000 since 1989. This money goes to a number of agencies and charities that assist with the cause. For example, in 2007, the roughly $500,000 that was raised was distributed amongst 28 groups that assist with HIV/AIDS prevention and/or provide services for individuals who have been diagnosed.
2008 AIDS Walk San Diego
This year’s event will include a 5K walk as well as a 10K USA Track and Field sanctioned run. The event will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2008. The main location will be in Balboa Park, at the intersection of Quince St. and 6th Ave.
Walkers and runners can register on the morning of the event, but participants are encouraged to sign up early. The registration fee for an adult who wishes to participate in either the 5K walk or 10K run is $35.00. The cost for youth (ages 17 & under) and well as seniors (age 60+) is $25.00. Individuals are allowed to form teams and all participants are encouraged to find sponsors who will contribute funding beyond the cost of their registration. All funds will be collected at the registration booth on the morning of the event.
The registration tent will open at 6:00 a.m. and the opening ceremonies will take place at 7:00. The 10K run will officially kick off at 8:00 a.m. and the walkers will be slightly behind, with a start time of 8:05. Upon completion of the walk/run, participants can hang around for the “Postwalk Festival,” which will take place until 11:00 a.m.
Awards will be presented to those who are the first in each age group to finish the run and awards will also be given to the top fundraisers.
Getting Involved
AIDS Walk San Diego suggests five ways that everyone can get involved:
- Form a team
- Ask people to donate
- Promote AIDS Walk by hanging posters and sharing the website
- Identify potential sponsors
- Volunteer on the day of the event
These broad opportunities for involvement make several options available even to those who do not plan to participate in the walk/run itself.
Find Your Local AIDS Walk
AIDS Walk is certainly not unique to San Diego. In fact, approximately 38 states and the District of Columbia offer AIDS Walk events. These events are spread over the course of the year, which means it is feasible for one person to attend several AIDS Walks during any given year. The largest and longest-running AIDS Walks take place in New York, Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Locating your local AIDS Walk is simple and can be done via the national AIDS Walk website.
Now's your chance to make a difference! It's as easy as putting on a pair of comfy shoes. Ready, set, walk!
Kristin Krogh - As a native of Southern California, Kristin has spent the majority of her life basking in seventy degree weather. When wanderlust finally ...
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