Vital Bridges hosts AIDS Run & Walk Rally

Wed. August 27, 2008 12:00 AM by Gay Chicago Magazine

Chicago, IL - As part of its longstanding mission to help people impacted by HIV and AIDS build healthier lives, Vital Bridges will host the second annual AIDS Run and Walk Rally on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark.

Miss Foozie will host a drag revue from 11 to 12:30 p.m. with guests, Chanel Exotique, Chayse Madison, other performers and raffle prizes.

Proceeds from the evening will support services provided by Vital Bridges. Sponsors include Bally Total Fitness, Broadway In Chicago, Chicago Bulls, and Absolut Vodka.

Vital Bridges serves 2,100 people with HIV and AIDS every year in the Chicago area. Its services assist clients in stabilizing and rebuilding their lives. The city's most comprehensive service provider for people living with HIV and AIDS, Vital Bridges offers a range of programs that incorporate a holistic perspective of client needs.

The Groceryland Centers at the agency's five locations allow clients to shop for food at no cost to them, while collaborating with on-site dietitians to plan healthful meals that meet their nutritional requirements and mitigate the side-effects of complex medical regimens.

Housing assistance ensures a yearly average of 50,000 nights of safe housing, including about 1,300 nights of transitional housing to homeless men, women, and families, 80 percent of whom will move on to permanent housing. Housing clients are linked to a continuum of supportive services that include case management, housing education, mental health counseling and referral, food, nutrition counseling, life skills development, education and vocational programs. Vital Bridges will provide roughly 14,000 supportive service sessions this year.

For more information on how to participate in the AIDS Run and Walk, call Todd Williams at 312-948-2786.
 

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