AIDS Run and Walk 2008 sees record turnout

Wed. September 24, 2008 12:00 AM

aids run and walk 2008

photo credit // ratdog photography
Chicago, IL - Under bright blue skies, more than 7,000 people showed their support for the fight against HIV/AIDS at the 2008 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago in Grant Park on September 20.

Benefiting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC), and over 70 local AIDS organizations, this year's event doubled its participation and is projected to net $400,000 for AIDS-related services. It's not too late to donate: go to aidsrunwalk.org to make a donation today.

The main stage attracted appearances from the casts of Wicked & Jersey Boys, energetic performances by the FootworKINGZ, Chicago Dance Crash, Chicago Dance Works, and R&B duo Qissmet, with a warm welcome from Congressman Danny Davis, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon Arnold, and a surprise visit from Cook County Board President Todd Stroger.

Along the path, there were performances by the Anthony Hollins Memorial Foundation Dance Group, The Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps (R.O.T.C.), the Chicago Spirit Brigade, the Lakeside Pride Freedom Band, DJ Casper, and DJ Harry T, among others.

AFC staff unveiled its latest public education campaign called "Love the One You're With." Volunteers conducted condom education and distributed—with the help of "Captain Condom" and the "Condomettes"—more than 2,500 safe sex kits in an effort to promote correct and consistent condom use among sexually active individuals.

AFC also collected individual's comments from participants to urge the future president to make development of a National AIDS Strategy a priority.

Source: AIDS Foundation of Chicago (www.aidschicago.org)

Related: View photos from the AIDS Run and Walk 2008:
Photos by Male Image-Frank Failing
Photos by RatDog Photography
 

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