The AIDS Vaccine 200, the annual HIV fundraising bike ride, holds a closing party to present checks to Emory Vaccine Center, Jerusalem House and Positive Impact

Help the AV 200 celebrate success

DJ Todd Skelton spins at the event scheduled for 3-5 p.m. at Kai Lin Art Gallery, 800 Peachtree St. Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30308. Beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. According to organizers, the event is open to riders, volunteers, donors and other supporters.

The AV 200 is the largest single source of unrestricted funds for the Emory Vaccine Center, bringing in close to $600,000 in eight years. Bike riders pedal themselves 200 miles over the course of a weekend to raise money that funds research and prevention efforts.

This year’s ride took place May 22-23, with 130 riders making the trip from the campus of Emory University to Camp Rock Eagle in Eatonton and back.

Emory divides the money between research efforts and the Hope Clinic, which performs clinical trials for vaccines and helps develop prevention and education efforts.

“It’s a tremendous resource and advantage to benefit from the AIDS Vaccine 200. We have federal grants to pay for much of our work, but we have needs that aren’t covered by federal dollars,” Dr. Mark Mulligan, Hope Clinic executive director, said in May before the ride. “The bike riders have been a pivotal in helping us because they allow us to do more.

To learn more about the AIDS Vaccine 200, visit www.facebook.com/av200.