The world’s first AIDS Walk was developed by Craig Miller in 1984 during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Seeing the need for immediate action in response to this public-health emergency, he drew on his experience as a political and community organizer, combining grassroots activism with fundraising and other campaign strategies to raise both awareness and urgently needed funds for the fight against AIDS. The AIDS Walk began in Phoenix in 1987 and quickly grew to become a community-wide event that at its peak raised nearly $1 million dollars. The walks were suspended in ’03 but returned in 2007 when a group of passionate folks convince the Aunt Rita’s Foundation to revive the event.
This Sunday (October 21st) at 8:00 am, the Aunt Rita’s Foundation along with a great group of sponsors will once again host the 2012 Phoenix AIDS Walk and 5K Run. The walk starts in front of Phoenix City Hall at 200 West Washington. You can walk, run or sit and donate anywhere from a $1 to as much as you are comfortable donating. You don’t have to give to participate, but every cent goes towards 20 AIDS agencies in the valley. You can also choose to have any of your pets raise money, so that someday you, too, can win the prestigious “Golden Bone” Award.
You can find our ADHS team by going to www.aidswalkphoenix.org and looking for “Team Public Health”. For more information, check out the website or contact RJ Shannon at [email protected]. It’s not too late to sign up- and the forecast is a high temp below 90 Sunday.
