One step at a time

AIDS Walk annual event in OKC

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

The AIDS Walk Board and volunteers have been busy all year hosting events, raising awareness, and providing education to help eliminate the stigma of HIV and AIDS. The time has come to culminate these efforts with their annual walk, so don your high tops, sneakers or other walking shoes and join the OKC AIDS Walk 2015.

“While AIDS is not the immediate death sentence of the past, the disease still exists,” said Verna Meadows, board president of AIDS Walk OKC. “Medications are available for treatment, but we still have no cure. The stigma still associated with the disease causes difficulty for people to find work or housing.”

This year the annual AIDS Walk will be Sunday, Sept. 20 in the afternoon, with a 5K Red Run and a 1Mile Fun Run in the morning at the Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City.

There is no Pooch Parade this year. “Instead of the Pooch Parade, community entertainers will be performing for tips to be donated to AIDS Walk,” Meadows added enthusiastically. “AIDS Walk OKC raises money all year long to help nonprofits in the Oklahoma City. These nonprofits apply for grants and money is awarded accordingly.”

A few of the Oklahoma City organizations helped in the past were Other Options, RAIN, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services and the Winds House. To be eligible for funding, organizations not only have to apply for grants, the organizations have to provide volunteers throughout the year and the day of the walk.

This year, AIDS Walk OKC has partnered with Toys for Tots. If a new toy is donated that morning to Toys for Tots, registrants will get $5 off their registration fee for the run. The registration fee for the 5K RED Run is $30 in advance/$35 day of run, and 1Mile Fun Run is $25 in advance/$30 day of run. Registration info can be found at www.aidswalkokc.org under “Red Run.”

The run starts on the north side of the Gardens at the base of the Devon Tower. All vendor and AIDS Walk festivities will be just behind the children’s area near Reno and Hudson.

There is never any charge to participate in the AIDS Walk, but registration is required. This can be done at www.aidswalkokc.org or at the walk. Meadows said they encourage people to sign up online and do some fundraising (www.firstgiving.com/aidswalkokc) because there are awards for Most Money Raised, Most Money Raised Online and Biggest Walk Team, so obviously registration is very important.

“We are so excited about this year’s AIDS Walk OKC & 5K Run,” Meadows said in conclusion. “The event brings a diverse group together in support of those living with HIV/AIDS, education and prevention to reduce new infections and a forum to remember those we have lost to the disease. We are most grateful to those who raise funds to support the campaign; the funds make it possible for us to continue our necessary work in the metro.”

Vendor space is free to nonprofits and AIDS Walk sponsors. A fee of $50 will be required of others wishing to set up at the event. Interested individuals and organizations should send an email to info@aidswalkokc.org to request space. Tables and chairs must be provided by vendors.

About AIDS Walk OKC - Since 1998, the AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City has locally distributed more than $660,000 to fund local programs focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and direct services to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Last year grants totaling $25,000 were allocated to support these programs. For more information, visit www.aidswalkokc.org.