AIDS Walk 2007

AIDS WALK 2007 – Thank You Walkers!

The funds raised by participates in AIDS Walk San Francisco benefits many important programs of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation – and help change lives (read the story of AIDS Walker, Rigoberto Maruri below):

Rigoberto Maruri – Member, El Grupo (Latino Support Group)
– “After I became HIV-positive in 1990, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation was the light at the end of the tunnel for me. I knew I was not alone. At one point I was sick and I had no job, and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation helped me find a doctor, a dentist, and a food bank. I also qualified for rental subsidies they gave me that helped me keep my apartment. Thanks to medication and housing, I’ve been able to go back to work.

I’m also part of the El Grupo support group which is like a big family. Over time I’ve been able to provide support to others who’ve become HIV-positive too. We help let people know that they are not alone, and that people just like them can enjoy life again.

Recently, I was a part of a group of people living with AIDS who were invited by the Foundation to travel to Washington. We raised awareness and let Congress know that people like me still need services. The trip gave me a sense of empowerment because I knew I was speaking for thousands of people in the community who live with HIV and AIDS.

I’m a living proof that this works. My experiences with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation have motivated me to keep fighting not just for me, but everyone who has become HIV-positive.

AIDS WALK San Francisco 2007 – 15 July 2007

AIDS Walk San Francisco 2005 raised over $3.6 million in support of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and other Bay Area AIDS service organizations.
Thank you all for changing the course of the epidemic.

The 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) walkathon benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and 45 other Bay Area AIDS agencies. Benefiting organizations are involved in such efforts as supporting treatment access efforts both domestically and in the developing world, conducting cutting edge HIV prevention campaigns, operating nutrition programs, advocating for sound public policy, offering legal support advocacy, and providing critically needed housing assistance.

9 a.m.: Sign-In, hosted by Wachovia , opens in Mother’s Meadow. Walkers turn in donations, pick up fundraising awards, and receive their official 2007 AIDS Walk San Francisco walker button and AIDS Walk Guide.

9:30 a.m.: Aerobic Warm-Up -sponsored by YMCA of San Francisco
Get ready for AIDS Walk San Francisco by stretching along with the warm-up team, Culture Shock!

9:45 a.m.: Opening Ceremony in Sharon Meadow. Live from the stage: community leaders, musical guests, and celebrity speakers.

10:30 a.m.: AIDS Walk begins!

Noon: Free HIV Testing, provided by Brown & Toland Medical Group, STOP AIDS Project,
and AIDS Health Project

This year the AIDS Walk is pleased to offer free and confidential HIV testing at the event. Get tested and receive results in just 20 minutes. HIV/AIDS information will be available and appointments can be made for an HIV screening at a later date.

12:30 p.m.: Post-Walk concert and family entertainment in Sharon Meadow with live music and the announcement of the fundraising total for AIDS Walk San Francisco 2007! The KidZone, sponsored by Bank of the West , features a bounce house, face painting, and free carousel rides!

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DIRECTIONS

The AIDS Walk starts and ends at Sharon Meadow, which is located at the east end of Golden Gate Park, near the intersection of Kennedy and Kezar Drives. Enter from Haight St. or Stanyan St. Nearby landmarks include the carousel, the tennis courts and the children’s playground, and Hippie Hill.

Related Links:

• AIDS Walk – Donate
• AIDS Walk – Register
• AIDS Walk – Volunteer
• AIDS Walk – Route Map
• AIDS Walk Speaks to Oprah Winfrey
• An Invitation to Oprah Winfrey & Harpo Productions

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
tony