October 29, 2008

Walk It Out: AIDS Walk Los Angeles

The 24th annual walk-a-thon raised $3.2 million to benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles and other local AIDS service organizations.

A record-breaking more than 30,000 walkers and volunteers gathered October 19 in West Hollywood for the 24th annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles (AWLA). The goal: to raise much-needed money for AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) and other local AIDS service organizations. AWLA—sponsored by the Hilton Family Hotels—is a 6.2-mile trek that begins and ends at West Hollywood Park.

Despite lower-than-usual fund raising expectations, AWLA's mission was accomplished. It raised a total of $3.158 million, shy of last year's total $3.9 million. Craig R. Miller, AWLA's founder and producer, applauded those efforts, especially since the country is in the midst of the most troubling economic crisis since the Great Depression.

“Today's attendance and total raised demonstrate that the Los Angeles community remains committed to raising funds to help those struggling with HIV/AIDS and to prevent new infections,” Miller said. “[We] have made a loud and clear statement that there is much to be done in confronting AIDS here at home and that we remain determined to make progress every day.”

Many celebrities and elected officials showed their support, including Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters), John Schneider (Smallville), Linda Cardellini (ER), Loretta Divine (Grey's Anatomy), Mitch Messinger (Director, Media and Talent Relations for General Hospital), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D–CA) and Congressman Howard L. Berman (D–CA). Even POZ's own cover girl Sherri Lewis (May 2008) and cover boy Jeffrey Jenest (June 2007) took part at the festivities.

“No matter what city I have done the AIDS Walk in, from New York to Boston to LA, I am always reminded of those we have lost,” Lewis told POZ. “I feel those emotions and put one foot in front of the other to move into a better day toward a future where AIDS is no more.”

POZ also was in Los Angeles that weekend hosting the second annual Love Out Loud: Soaps In The City party, a fundraising event for our AWLA team. The fête,  co-sponsored by Cops 4 Causes, was held at East West Lounge in West Hollywood. About 125 guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and live music from One Life to Live's Ilene Kristen.

There was an impressive guest list including AWLA's event manager Joshua Tjaden; As the World Turns's Dylan Bruce; Days of Our Lives's Nadia Bjorlin, Patrika Darbo and James Scott; The Bold and the Beautiful's Brandon Beemer; The Young and the Restless's Kristoff St. John and Kate Linder; General Hospital's Carolyn Hennesy; and General Hospital: Night Shift's Adam Grimes; Sordid Lives's Ann Walker and Ted Detwiler; and Amy Beard (SCRUBS fansite).

A few of the participants share their thoughts about AWLA and POZ:

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