May 29, 2013
AIDS Walk Long Beach Celebrating 25 Years
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Since 1988 the Long Beach AIDS Foundation has been organizing the AIDS Walk Long Beach (AWLB) and this year supporters will gather on Sunday, June 2 to walk once more.
For 25 years now, contributors have been connecting with each other and "showing the love" by participating in the annual fundraising event to raise much-needed funds for client services and HIV prevention education for the servicing agencies from Manhattan Beach to Long Beach and end new HIV infections entirely. Over the last two decades over $2.1 million in grants and donations have been awarded from those AWLB funds. "I see a future within our lifetime of a generation that has no new infections," said Executive Director Garry Bowie.
After 25 years, AIDS Walk is changing course (literally) and will add a music festival to enjoy after they journey; bands confirmed include The LBians and Shitting Glitter. Additionally, a Beach Life Challenge Obstacle Course is being added to the festivities.
Of the family-friendly festivities Bowie says, "Bring a picnic and enjoy it by the aquarium."
AIDS Walk Long Beach is a way for the community to rally behind a cause for a disease that can be eradicated with a two-prong approach: education and prevention programs; and health and wellness programs for those with HIV/AIDS.
Walkers and supporters are encouraged to mark the momentous anniversary by digging through their closets and wearing previous years' t-shirts to commemorate the first 24 editions of the Walk. There is added incentive to raise the most funds, as the top fundraising team will receive an invitation to a team-wide pizza party event, a team breakfast at the Heroes Tent, a team trophy and photos.
"We can't lose focus on ending the spread of HIV," Bowie said, stressing that within the 45 square-mile area of Long Beach, the infection rate is double that of the rest of Los Angeles County combined.
AWLB is put on by The Long Beach AIDS Foundation, which believes in inspiring and collaborating with other community organizations to prevent the spread of HIV through education and providing support for those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
WHEN: Sunday, June 2, 7:00 a.a. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific - 100 Aquarium Way (562)951-1663
For more information, to register a team or donate to a walker, visit aidswalklb.kintera.org
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
