AIDS Walk OKC needs volunteers and support
- by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief
AIDS Walk OKC was formed in 1998 to build awareness about HIV/AIDS and raise funds to support the work of nonprofit organizations that provide HIV/AIDS direct care, support services, and education.
“It’s a memorial to those we’ve lost, a celebration of how far we’ve come, and a beacon of hope to take into the future,” said Dawn Kluesner, Board President.
The 2025 Board took a hard, honest look at the organization and whether the results matched the effort put in.
“We decided to pause Red Ride and Red Rendezvous so that we can focus our efforts on the main event: the annual AIDS Walk,” said Kluesner. “However, we will increase our collaborative endeavors with local organizations and businesses for more soft fundraising events, such as Sister Bingo and restaurant nights. These efforts should reduce the strain on our board while still generating funds throughout the year.”
Kluesner currently serves on the board with just two other board members: Donna Patrick and Thomas Lehner. They are looking for volunteers interested in supporting their mission, both as volunteers and as board members.
“The more board members we have, the more effective we are. That’s just reality. We welcome those interested in AIDS Walk OKC to attend our January 13th board meeting to see what we’re about. We’ll meet from 6-7 p.m." The meeting will be at 3700 N. Classen Blvd. in OKC, 73118, but you must text (405) 445-9520 to be let in the main door for the meeting.
The exciting news is that there will be a walk in 2026!
“It will be in October. We will set our schedule for the year at our January board meeting.”
The group is also looking for local organizations that support the mission of the AIDS Walk OKC and would like to collaborate for soft fundraising events.
“Of course, we always appreciate it when supporters share our social media posts or volunteer to help with the Walk,” Kluesner said. “Following us on social media and engaging with our content are the best ways to stay up to date on opportunities to participate.”
The mission of the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City is to build awareness about HIV/AIDS and to raise funds to support the work of nonprofit organizations that provide HIV/AIDS direct care, support services and education.
If anyone would like more information on how they can participate, please email president@aidswalkok. For info about AIDS Walk OKC, visit www.aidswalkokc.org.
The Gayly online. 01/08/2026 @ 1:50 p.m. CST.