DAVID KOB
Staff Writer
More than 26,000 people participated in the annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles, on Sunday, Oct. 16, Southern California’s largest fund-raising event benefiting AIDS service organizations in Los Angeles County. Celebrities, companies and non-profit organizations joined together to raise $3.2 million for AIDS awareness, an increase of more than $300,000 from last year, according to AIDS Walk organizers.
“I think people are beginning to realize how important AIDS awareness is, and this is the best way to show support,” freshman Mark Tarro said as he crossed the finish line.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa excited the crowd as participants gathered at the starting line. Out front was two-time Golden Globe winner Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy winner Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”), as well as representatives from Wells Fargo, the official sponsor of AIDS Walk Los Angeles.
Other big name sponsors such as Hilton, DreamWorks, and Starbucks Inc had their walkers wear company logos. Pepperdine students wore their letters as well, either walking individually or with Camp Laurel, a non-profit organization that provides free educational programs to children living with HIV/AIDS.
“It means a lot for these students to come out and support our cause,” said Margo Andrew, head of the Camp Laurel team.
Temperatures have reached 100 degrees in the past, but this year the clouds cooled off the steamy streets.
“I kind of miss the heat,” said Shelly Davis, a five-year walker and Los Angeles resident. “There’s usually a fire truck that sprays cool water near the end.”
This year the skies provided the water as heavy raindrops began to fall 30 minutes into the walk. The walkers kept dry with umbrellas, hoods and ponchos, as the crowd cheered from the sidelines.
The rain was not the only thing that put a damper on things. As in years past, AIDS Walk protesters were gathered across La Cienega Boulevard, waiving signs that read, “Homo Sex is a Sin” and “Walking Around in Circles isn’t going to Cure AIDS.”
“I hope they realize how dumb they look,” said Tarro, as he walked by.
As the participants reached the home stretch, the sun peeked out. Drag queen cheerleaders greeted the walkers with hugs and red pom poms. The post-walk festivities included food, drinks and a concert by Rock Inc. and Masanga Marimba Ensemble.
“It’s our job to get assistance to every man, woman, and child who is infected from every man, woman, and child who wants to help those in need,” said Craig E. Thompson, executive director, AIDS Project Los Angeles, at the concluding ceremonies.
The money raised in AIDS Walk goes primarily to APLA, one of the nation’s largest AIDS organizations and filters down through more than 20 other local awareness and prevention factions.
There are more than 52,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County, according to the APLA.
Among the top fund-raising sponsors were DreamWorks, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Team Verizon, and once again the Kids Who Care Foundation, a student-led organization founded 15 years ago by 7-year-old Leo Beckerman.
The AIDS Walk Los Angeles in its 21st year. Founded by Craig Miller, the AIDS Walk is a nationwide fund-raiser to raise AIDS awareness that recently held events in San Francisco and New York.
For more information on the AIDS Walk and HIV/AIDS awareness, call (213) 201-WALK (9255) or visit www.aidswalk.net, www.aids.com or www.apla.org. for information on AIDS/HIV awareness.
10-31-05