A-LISTS
25 Years of WALKING in Orange County by joel martens This year marks the 25th Anniversary of AIDS Walk Orange County.
The AIDS Services Foundation (ASF) is proud and excited to announce that the Disneyland Resort will be the host venue for the event on Sunday, May 1. The estimated 10,000 walkers, supporters and volunteers will begin their stroll at 7 a.m. traversing the three scenic parks: Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disneyland as they raise funds and bring awareness to the fight against the disease. The Disneyland Resort has been a corporate sponsor for AIDS Walk
O.C. since 2000, but this is the first year that the walk has taken place within the park. “We are thrilled to provide our participants with such an unique location for this milestone anniversary,” said Phillip Yeager, executive director and CEO of ASF Orange County, which organized the event. “Over the last 25 years, the walk has enabled us to raise awareness about preventing HIV/AIDS and annually raises about $500,000 in donations to help provide for people affected by the disease in Orange County. We hope to exceed that amount this year and continue our fight against ignorance and HIV/AIDS.”
A LITTLE HISTORY OF THE AIDS WALK IN ORANGE COUNTY:
1986 - The first Walk to raise funds to assist people living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County is established by a group of caring citizens and volunteers. The money is distrib- uted among several agencies to help provide essential prevention and care programs.
1996 - AIDS Services Foundation Orange County assumes responsibility for the plan- ning, implementation and management of AIDS Walk.
2001 - AIDS Walk Orange County passes the $10 million mark, raising that much money since inception in 1986. The money is made available toward services and programs for people living with HIV/AIDS.
2008 – AIDS Walk Orange County steps up to the plate! The Walk reinvigorates itself by moving to Angel Stadium of Anaheim after 21 years in Irvine. The relocation garnered additional attention from residents and focused on the heart of Orange County, where there is a growing concentration of new HIV cases.
2009 – AIDS Walk Orange County returns to Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Despite an economically challenging year, participants again show that stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS is a cause worth supporting. More than 5,000 walkers help raise nearly $500,000 for 11 Orange County agencies serving people affected by HIV/AIDS.
2010 – AIDS Walk Orange County moves to The Great Park in Irvine. The park is located on the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. The goal is to raise $650,000 to support nine recipient agencies serving persons living with HIV/AIDS in Orange County.
2011 – It is decided, for the 25th Anniversary of the Walk, that a more prominent venue is necessary to highlight the continuing fight with the disease. The Disneyland Resort, a long-time sponsor of the Walk with an active and successful walk team, becomes the location for the Silver Anniversary.
The first walk was held in 1986 at Mason Park in Irvine, it has taken place in different
locations over the years and has raised over $13.5 million in donations to agencies such as: AEGIS, The Center Orange County, Mercy House, Orange County Cornerstone Outreach, Public Law Center, Shanti Orange County and Straight Talk Clinic, Inc. to name a few.
For more information about AIDS Services Foundation go to
ocasf.org or call 949.809.5700. For more information about AIDS Walk, visit
aidswalkorangecounty.org or call 949.809.5700.
APRIL 2011 | RAGE monthly 17
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