SAN FRANCISCO—The 22nd annual AIDS Walk in San Francisco nearly broke its fundraiser efforts record from the previous year with just short of it at $4.5 million. At least 25,000 walkers came out to support the cause on July 20, taking the six-mile walk from Sharon Meadow to the park’s western corner and back.
According to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation website, since the first AIDS Walk in 1987, more than $70 million has been raised for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and for over 60 other Bay Area AIDS organizations. In a statement by Chief Executive Officer of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation Mark Cloutier, he said, “Each year, the AIDS Walk brings together the best out of our diverse communities and shows the world that the Bay Area remains at the forefront in combating disease.”
The opening ceremony for the AIDS Walk featured celebrity guest appearances and performances from Loretta Devine, Dan Ashley, Roger Rees, Gina Glocksen, Mikalah Gordon and Rickey Smith. Devine sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which the San Francisco AIDS Foundation attributes as the AIDS Walk anthem.
Besides raising money to support the AIDS Foundation and prevent new HIV infections, the cause also supports going green. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the event’s theme included “composting, better recycling and the introduction of Green Walkers, who opted not to receive any printed or mailed materials.” Another successful walk marked donations just missing the mark of the $4.65 million raised at last year’s AIDS Walk.
© Copyright $article.date:format(yyyy)
