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by Gay Chicago Magazine

Chicago, IL — A record 2,406 people have preregistered for AIDS Run & Walk 2008 which will take place Saturday, Sept. 20 at Columbus and Balbo in Grant Park.

At this time last year, the event had 1,948 preregistrants. More than 7,000 people are expected to turn out for this year's event. Proceeds benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Organizers credit several factors for the registration record including an eye-catching "Let's Get Moving" ad campaign, in which three dancers twist their bodies into the shape of an AIDS ribbon; the CommunityDirect incentive in which 100 percent of all money raised by a CommunityDirect team is returned directly to the participating HIV/AIDS-related organization; and a renewed concern by local residents in the wake of recent headlines reporting 40 percent more HIV infections in the U.S. than previously known.

To that end, AIDS advocates are using this year's event to launch a safer sex campaign entitled, "Love the One You're With," focused on condom distribution and education.

AIDS Run & Walk Chicago honorary chair U.S. Congressman Danny Davis and cast members from Chicago's "Wicked" and "Jersey Boys" will be among those welcoming participants. The cast members have even formed an AIDS Run & Walk Chicago team: "Wicked Jersey Boys for Season of Concern."

A jam-packed roster of performances include: Chicago's FootworKINGz, Chicago Dance Crash, DanceWorks Chicago, New York drag star Sherry Vine, Chicago Spirit Brigade, DJ Casper, the Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps (R.O.T.C. Chicago) and New Life Performance Company performing a tribute to Anthony Hollins, a South Side AIDS advocate who passed away last year.

The event will also feature a Health & Fitness Village sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Patrons can sample products, get health information and judge the "Next Healthy Snack Star" competition in which Chicago-area chefs will compete to create the best snack. The competition is sponsored by The Chopping Block cooking school (www.thechoppingblock.net).

The run starts at 9:55 a.m.; the walk starts at 10 a.m. Since it was established in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has netted more than $1.3 million to battle the epidemic. Registration is $25 in advance and $30 on-site.

For more information, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.

Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
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