Local school kids invited to design logo and slogan for AIDS Walk 2009

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – April 3, 2009)

The Desert AIDS Walk has been a yearly event in Palm Springs for more than two decades, raising HIV/AIDS awareness and funds for client services at Desert AIDS Project. But local students of all ages are being invited to participate in AIDS Walk 2009, held this year on Halloween and stepping off from Sunrise Park, in a brand new way – by designing its logo and slogan.

“We’ve been happy to see more and more students joining our Walk each year because it shows a growing understanding that AIDS is still among us and that the choices they make right now may determine their future health,” said David Brinkman, Executive Director of Desert AIDS Project. “Although AIDS is a completely preventable disease, the sad reality is that young people in the U.S. right now are at persistent risk for HIV infection.”

According to the Center for Disease Control’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey, 47% of high school students have had sexual intercourse, and 7.4% of them reported their first sexual intercourse before age 13. HIV/AIDS education needs to take place at correspondingly young ages, before young people engage in sexual behaviors that put them at risk for HIV infection.

 “We hope that this logo and slogan contest will present an opportunity for teachers to incorporate HIV/AIDS education into their lesson plans in a thoughtful but fun way – however it’s appropriate for the age of students they are teaching,” Brinkman continued. “We think we have some great prizes to motivate them, so we’re hoping for a big response from our local school kids, from kindergarten through to high school seniors. And, we hope to see many of them helping to raise money for the cause and out there walking with us – in their Halloween costumes, if they wish – with their family and friends.”

The winner of the AIDS Walk 2009 logo and slogan contest will receive four full-day passes to Knott’s Soak City Water Park and a pizza party for their classroom. One second prize of four full-day passes to Knott’s Soak City Water Park and one third prize of four movie passes will also be awarded.

For more information, contact Shelley Daily at Desert AIDS Project at 323-2118, ext. 257.

Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers confidential HIV testing at a number of locations and widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-323-2118.

Rules for the 2009 AIDS Walk logo and slogan contest:

• Open to all interested students in grades K-12;
• Students should create a logo and slogan related to the theme: AIDS Walk 2009;
• Logos may be on any paper size up to 8 1/2/ x 11;
• May use any type of medium (markers, paint, construction paper, etc.);
• Entries may be completed by an individual or a group of students (only one prize will be awarded regardless of size of group creating the logo);
• All submissions must have completed the Consent Form signed by parent/legal guardian (attached);
• Entries must be submitted via US Mail or hand-delivered by April 22, 2009 at 4:00 PM to Desert AIDS Project, 1695 North Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Mailing address is P.O. Box 2890, Palm Springs, CA  92263.
  • 1. Please label the back of the submitted artwork with student’s name, age, grade, home phone number, sponsoring school, and classroom teacher’s name.
  • 2. Please attach the signed “Participation and Photo Media Release” to the artwork.
• Public display for the 2009 AIDS Walk’s marketing efforts, which may include: agency newsletter, website, banners, posters, print/electronic media outlets, etc.
• Winner will be recognized at Desert AIDS Walk Opening Ceremony scheduled for October 31, 2009.
• All entries become the property of Desert AIDS Project.