Long Beach AIDS Walk takes to the Shore Saturday
By Joe Segura | joe.segura@presstelegram.com |
PUBLISHED: June 3, 2011 at 12:00 a.m. | UPDATED: September 1, 2017 at 5:11 a.m.
LONG BEACH — Times are tough, but organizers of the 23rd annual AIDS Walk are hoping for a big turnout at today's fundraising event.
Several hundred walkers, runners and pets are expected to begin registration at 6:30 a.m. at the Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, for the fundraiser.
However, Long Beach AIDS Foundation Executive Director Garry Bowie said the weak economy has been cutting into fundraising goals.
Last year, for example, the foundation's goal was $175,000, but fell short by about 40 percent, Bowie said, adding that — as of Friday — registration is 27 percent lower than last year.
At the same time, requests for foundation assistance have increased about 30 percent, Bowie said.
Long Beach is ranked sixth in the nation and third in the state for HIV infections, according to the foundation's office manager, Robert Halliwell.
The sexually transmitted disease affects all ages, races and sexual orientations, according to health officials.
Donations will go toward testing, medical services, medication, prevention and HIV and AIDS educational programs.
AIDS Walk Long Beach has raised $2.4 million, benefiting over 30 agencies since 1989. The agencies include: Strength for the Journey — Long Beach/Orange County; AIDS Food Store of Long Beach; Amigos Sin Barreras/Friends Without Barriers; Beacon House Association of San Pedro; South Bay Family Healthcare Clinics; Project Wholeness & Wellness B.R.U.C.E.; CARE Program at St. Mary Medical Center; the Alliance for Housing and Healing; Substance Abuse Foundation of Long Beach, Inc.; and The Center.
Entertainment begins at 7:45 a.m. with tThe start of the 10K run is at 8 a.m., and the 5K walk begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony.
Registration is $35 for the 5 K walk and pet walk, $50 for the 10K, $30 for students and youths 17 and under.
For more race information and to make a donation, visit www.aidswalklb.org, or send mail to the Long Beach AIDS Foundation, 2630 E. Fourth St., Long Beach CA 90814, or call 562-987-5200.
joe.segura@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1274
Joe Segura