AIDS Walk hopes to offset lost State funding

(PALM SPRINGS, CA – October 23, 2009)

The 22nd Desert AIDS Walk happens Saturday, October 31 at Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs with a more aggressive fundraising goal than ever, due to more than $80 million in cuts from the 2009/2010 State Budget.

“Our annual Desert AIDS Walk is a great way for us to remind everyone that, even if essential HIV/AIDS funding is eliminated, AIDS is not over,” said David Brinkman, Executive Director of Desert AIDS Project. “And even though D.A.P. lost nearly all of its education and testing funding from the State, we must continue to offer free and confidential HIV tests because the Coachella Valley has a much higher rate of HIV infection than almost anywhere in the United States. We’re hoping to replace some of that funding through the generosity of the people who have donated to those who will Walk with us.”

With a Halloween event date – everyone is encouraged to wear a costume, if they wish – and the festivities planned, the 2009 AIDS Walk is bound to be a fun time for all. Registration will begin at 7:30 AM when a minimum $25 donation per person will be requested, to cover the cost of the T-shirt, water bottle, and bag that everyone will receive. Those raising even more donations for HIV/AIDS client services will receive gifts such as a journal and pen, a pedometer, and an invitation to the post-Walk brunch at Copley’s until noon, sponsored by D.A.P. major donor group 100 WOMEN.

There will be plenty of time to wander through the Walk Village, have breakfast donated by Koffi, indulge in a little face painting, enjoy the music, and more. Around 8:30 AM, you’ll be able to choose either a yoga or Jazzercise warm-up before the Walk, if you’re feeling in need of a stretch.

Bill Feingold of K-News 94.3-FM’s daily “Bill Feingold Unleashed” will be the Walk’s on-stage host throughout these pre-Walk activities. He’ll also introduce Assemblyman Manny Perez – who strongly supported maintaining State funding to HIV/AIDS services – D.A.P. Executive Director David Brinkman, and Karolee Sowle, CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center, which returned as Presenting Sponsor of the Desert AIDS Walk for the second consecutive year. Tony-Award nominee Ann Hampton Callaway will sing before introducing our very special guest and Palm Springs resident, the legendary Miss Carol Channing.

By 9:30 AM, Walkers will be more than ready for their two-mile Walk route through the Movie Colony. Individual Walkers and returning teams like Bill Feingold’s “Bulldog’s Brigade” and Patrick-Stewart Properties – who held a dazzling pre-Walk fundraiser at The Bungalow – will be pumped-up and ready. As the music by DJ Luc Benech builds, Miss Channing will start the countdown for everyone to step off. Although the Movie Colony might have once been home to the likes of Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, and Grace Kelly, Walkers shouldn’t be surprised to see stars of a special variety, like “Lucille Ball” and “Bette Davis.”  

Once back to the festival grounds in Ruth Hardy Park, Walkers will want to hang around and enjoy sandwiches by Subway and ice cream by Ben & Jerry’s. Once everyone has returned to the park, a drawing will be held to determine the winner of the raffle for a two-year lease on a 2010 Toyota Prius, provided by Toyota of the Desert. With tickets offered at only $100 each, the raffle winner will have a choice of taking the new Prius for two years – or $10,000 in cash! Not a bad return on investment, especially considering that no more than 2,000 tickets will be sold with hundreds still remaining.  

Desert AIDS Project is grateful to Desert Regional Medical Center and all of its 2009 AIDS Walk sponsors. But we are especially thankful for those who Walk – many of whom return year after year – and help us raise not only desperately needed funding for HIV/AIDS services but also remind everyone that “AIDS is not over.”

 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. continues to offer free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations six days a week. For more information, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-323-2118.