Change the Course of the Epidemic

AIDS Walk San Francisco will take place on Sunday, July 17 starting at 9:00 a.m. from Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park. This will be the 19th AIDS Walk in San Francisco, continuing the legacy of helping Bay Area residents "change the course of the epidemic." Last year's AIDS Walk drew over 21,000 walkers and raised over $3.2 million to support the programs and services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and 38 other AIDS service organizations throughout the Bay Area.

"There are too few opportunities in life to really make a difference in our communities," said Terry Powers, associate director of development. "AIDS Walk provides large corporations, small businesses, community groups and individuals an opportunity to join together and make a difference in the lives of thousands of our friends and neighbors who are struggling with HIV."

AIDS Walk San Francisco is a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) event designed for everyone. The walk follows a scenic path through Golden Gate Park and is supported along the way by water stops, snack stations and lively entertainment. The later morning and afternoon are usually warm and sunny but you are encouraged to dress in layers in case the morning fog lingers over the park--and don't forget to wear sneakers!

Many walkers bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon in the park, listening to the entertainment, visiting booths hosted by benefiting organizations and awaiting the Walk fundraising totals which are tallied and announced by mid-afternoon. This year's AIDS Walk will also feature a Kids Zone with lots of fun options for our young walkers. After the AIDS Walk, take your kids to the historic carousel adjacent to Sharon Meadow and enjoy free rides and romps in the jumpy houses.

There is no fundraising minimum for the AIDS Walk, but everyone is encouraged to start their fundraising early and get into the spirit of the event by talking to family, friends and co-workers about the importance of supporting HIV/AIDS services in the Bay Area. Government funding is shrinking and services to people living with HIV are more dependent on private funding than ever before.

Need ideas on how to fundraise? Do you want to create your own fundraising webpage to send to everyone in your address book? Do you want to start an AIDS Walk team? Log on to the Walk website--www.aidswalk.net--and you will find all the answers you need. There are thousands of people counting on you to help change the course of the epidemic. For more information, call (415) 615-9255 or visit www.aidswalk.net.