Talk that talk and walk that walk!
Uh-huh!
Once again, it’s time for the annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles to kick off in WeHo (across from the snazzy Design Center in the heart of gay gulch) on Sunday October 14th!
The local AIDS WALK was the first of its kind to raise funds for research and the treatment of a killer disease in the United States.
Craig Miller – a survivor of the HIV Virus (a "bug" that does not discriminate) – drummed up the concept a couple of decades ago.
Seeing the need for immediate action in response to this public-health emergency, Miller sought to fill the void left by the government's negligible response to the crisis.
Drawing on his experience as a political and community organizer, Miller's approach combined grassroots activism with fundraising and other campaign strategies to raise both awareness and urgently needed funds for the fight against AIDS.
Unfortunately, today there is a lot of complacency about the disease.
People seem to think that with the advent of the “cocktail” – individuals in the community are not getting infected as frequently – and certainly not dying from it.
Wrong!
Although the numbers have dropped in the “gay” community, the shocking truth is that Latino and Black African American are now a segment of society that is succumbing to HIV and AIDS much quicker.
Notwithstanding, it should also be noted that the numbers for walkers – folks turning out to raise funds this year – has also fallen considerably.
In the previous years, the AIDS walk has attracted 30,000 participants annually.
The event usually raises millions each year for APLA, helping it provide vital services to thousands living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles, and run the county's largest network of prevention programs.
So, the Los Angeles AIDS Walk needs your donations now!
Please note that I am walking on Sunday, so if you want to support me on my trot through the neighborhood, kindly mail a check for any sum ($5.00, $10.00, $15.00, etc.) to me at the following address:
Julian Ayrs
Star Walker
Los Angeles AIDS Walk
1976 South La Cienega Blvd
No. 171
Los Angeles, CA
90034
Make the check payable to the Los Angeles AIDS WALK and note my name in the memo line to denote that I am the individual you are sponsoring.
Folks who aren’t comfortable mailing out personal checks may contribute a donation at my Los Angeles AIDS Walk site
Surf to:
http://awla2012.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1023142&supid=193266339
A donation may by made by credit card.
Unfortunately, the online site will only accept sums of $25.00 or more.
So, mail a check, if you’d prefer to donate less based on your budget.
If I raise a $1,000.00 I get a CROWN to wear during the course of the parade! So, get those donations in, eh? (once a Queen, always a Queen, eh?)
Funds from Sunday’s event will help support AIDS Project Los Angeles, which offers life-sustaining services, such as medical care, food and housing to low-income residents who have the virus. The organization also provides the county’s largest network of HIV prevention programming, testing, counseling and advocacy, according to literature about the group.
By the way, one of my favorite parts of the parade are the "pitt stops" along the way!
If it's a super sizzling-hot day, walkers just have to stroll under a "mister" to get some much-needed relief from the blistering sun.
The nutritious snacks - yogurt, fruit, fiber bars, water - are always appreciated, too.
The get-together at the start of walk is also very uplifting and inspiring.
Attend.
The more the merrier!
See ‘ya there, eh?
One of the "Faces" of AIDS
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