AIDS Walk Boston expected to raise $1 mil

Organizers of the 26th annual AIDS Walk Boston are optimistic that funds raised at yesterday's event will meet the $1 million dollar fundraising goal put forth by the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts (AAC). The Walk was held along Boston's Esplanade, on the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the virus that would be known as HIV.

"We are so grateful to our walkers, runners and hundreds of volunteers, many of whom contribute each year, who make this event so successful. Their efforts ensure that those most vulnerable in our community will have access to the vital services and support that they need," said Rebecca Haag, President and CEO of AAC. "We also want to remind people that there is still time to donate online or through the mail to help us reach our goal. This money is vital to funding our policy work, client services, and outreach and prevention -- all of which is needed to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS."

The group of between 12,000 and 15,000 walkers included Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, WCVB-TV StormTeam 5 meteorologist David Brown, and Haag. Online fundraising efforts also contributed to the 6.2-mile Walk, which benefits the AAC. Haag wrote in an email to supporters that the money goes "to provide free HIV testing to people at risk; to counsel people struggling with their diagnosis;
to educate young people about STD and HIV risk; to provide housing and utility assistance to people who aren't well; and so much more."

Donations can still be made online at http://bit.ly/kX6rfM.

AIDS Walk Boston lead sponsors include Macy's Foundation, Whole Foods Market, and MOMS Pharmacy. Other corporate sponsors include EMD Serono, Partners HealthCare, the TJX Foundation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Liberty Mutual, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, BioScrip Pharmacy, and Newmark Knight Frank Commercial Real Estate. Media sponsors of this year's Walk are WCVB-TV, Kiss 108, JAM'N 94.5, WFNX 101.7, The Phoenix, and El Planeta.