9th Annual AIDS Walk Sarasota/Manatee

Trinity Charities (7225 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota) presents the ninth annual AIDS Walk Sarasota/Manatee on Saturday, December 6. The theme is "taking steps to support those in need," and funds raised during this walk will help Trinity Charities continue its work helping people affected by HIV/AIDS on the Florida Suncoast.

A breakfast is offered at registration and starts at 8 a.m. before the start of the walk at 9 a.m. from J.D. Hamel Park (2 Marina Plaza). The walk will last for two miles, and will take participants from the park and over the Ringling Bridge. Last year was the first time the AIDS Walk participants were permitted to cross the Ringling Bridge, which they did to much fanfare. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs to the event, as they are permitted to walk with their owners and the other participants.

Trinity Charities' mission is to "provide support, education, prevention and intervention for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and for those in temporary crisis." The non-profit organization offers HIV testing, education, support, financial aid, and other services to people affected by HIV and AIDS in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. People who are interested in either walking or donating can do so by visiting trinitycharities.org. There, people can click on the link where they can register for the AIDS Walk or the link where they can support the AIDS Walk by donating money.

Walgreens is a presenting sponsor of the AIDS Walk Sarasota/Manatee. Other national sponsors include Macy's, Wells Fargo, and Tropicana. Local Pacesetter Sponsors include Coastal Orthopedics of Bradenton, Giving Back of Holmes Beach, Jessie's Island Store of Holmes Beach and Miller's Dutch Haus Furniture of Sarasota.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event or volunteering for it, call Trinity Charities at (941) 355-0847.