Each fall, citizens of Athens-Clarke County come together to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and fundraise for much-needed health resources and...
The 23rd annual AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K run on Sunday, Oct. 20, raised more than $1 million, according to a press release from the organization.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the results of this year’s AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run,” said Cathy Woolard, interim executive director of AID Atlanta.
The 23rd annual AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run will take place Sunday, Oct. 20, at the traditional Piedmont Park location, event organizers announced today. Last year's event raised $940,000 to help support several local HIV/AIDS organizations.
Some 10,000 walkers and runners are expected to participate in this year's event, billed as the largest HIV/AIDS fundraising event in the Southeast.
“AID Atlanta is excited to embark on our 23rd annual AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run campaign,” Cathy Woolard, interim executive director of AID Atlanta, said in a prepared statement. “The event brings a diverse group together in support of those living with HIV/AIDS, education and prevention to reduce new infections and a forum to remember those we have lost to the disease. We are most grateful to those who raise funds to support the campaign; the funds make it possible for us to continue our necessary work in metro Atlanta where the rate of HIV infection continues to rise.”
The 2012 AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K run drew thousands to Piedmont Park Oct. 27 in hopes of raising $1 million to fund several HIV/AIDS organizations.
As of Nov. 6, the event had raised more than $850,000, but donations will be accepted until the end of November. Last year, AIDS Walk Atlanta raised close to $1 million, surpassing 2010’s total by $82,000.
The agency still seeks a new executive director after Tracy Elliott resigned from the position in June after serving five years at the helm. Jon Santos, development director at AID Atlanta, resigned shortly after Elliott to take a position with Jerusalem House.
Organizers have set an ambitious goal for this year’s AIDS Walk Atlanta, which would make the annual fundraiser the largest in the event’s history.
The walk routinely attracts 10,000 walkers and runners who last year combined to raise $1 million for only the second time in the event’s history. This year organizers hope to build on that success and raise $1.25 million for the eight participating agencies.
“For these organizations this is how they find money for extra HIV tests; this is how employees are paid,” AIDS Walk Office Manager Billy Jones said.
The 2012 AIDS Walk steps of Sunday, Oct. 21, from Piedmont Park.