San Francisco, July 15, 2007 -- The 21st annual AIDS Walk San Francisco on Sunday July 15th was the largest and most successful single-day AIDS fundraiser ever held in California. AIDS Walk Founder and Producer Craig R. Miller announced this afternoon that "more than 25,000 walkers helped to raise a grand total of $4,503,716."

"Bay Area residents once again showed their strong support for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation" added Miller. "Together we took to the streets to raise a record-setting $4.5 million to support people living with HIV/AIDS, and to fund the critical HIV prevention programs needed to stop new infections."

"The phenomenal success of AIDS Walk sends a clear message that San Franciscans are committed to eradicating HIV in the Bay Area and around the world," said Mark Cloutier, Executive Director of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. "AIDS Walk inspires us to devise innovative ways to break the cycle of new infections, and provides much-needed resources to face the challenges of another year fighting HIV and AIDS."

AIDS Walk opening ceremonies featured the participation of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), Kelly Carlson (Nip/Tuck), Andrea Bowen (Desperate Housewives, Girl Positive), and the stars of the San Francisco company of Jersey Boys. Walkers were treated to three special musical performances by Andrea Marcovicci, Jenifer Lewis, and Brent Barrett (Phantom: The Vegas Spectacular), who sang "You'll Never Walk Alone," the AIDS Walk theme song.

AIDS Walk San Francisco benefits San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) and 42 other local AIDS organizations throughout the Bay Area. The event receives significant support from the corporate community in the form of team fundraising and sponsorships. This year's sponsors include: ABC7/KGO-TV, Gap Inc, Nordstrom, William-Sonoma/Pottery Barn and The Examiner.

About SFAF: The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is a non-profit, community based organization that is committed to ending the pandemic and the human suffering caused by HIV. The agency provides a comprehensive array of services--including financial benefits, housing assistance, HIV prevention efforts, needle exchange, and the California AIDS Hotline (800-367-AIDS) that directly serve over 100,000 individuals. The agency reaches over 1.5 million others through community outreach, public policy efforts, prevention campaigns, and the Web (www.sfaf.org and www.aidshotline.org)

About MZA Events: AIDS Walk San Francisco was founded in 1987 by Craig R. Miller and his organization of activists, MZA Events. Miller is the originator of the AIDS Walk fundraising model and has raised nearly $300 million for leading AIDS charities nationwide. Miller and MZA have produced this landmark event every summer for the past twenty-one years.

Press Contacts:
Buffy Martin Tarbox/SFAF: 415/279-8231 (cell)
Colin A. Weil/AWSF: 917/887-7487 (cell)

Photos/Video: http://aidswalk.net/sanfran/about/press.html