Aunt Rita’s Foundation Presents: AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run Oct. 23rd in Phoenix

By Editor October 18, 2016 06:30

(Phoenix, AZ) — AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run, an Aunt Rita’s Foundation signature event presented by Walgreens, is open to all ages and dogs. The 2016 event chairs are Barbra Seville and Barb Eldridge and the event is Sunday, October 23 at 3rd Ave & Washington Street, Phoenix. To register, sponsor a walker, runner, team, dog, donate directly and all event information visit www.aidswalkaz.org or call (602) 882-8675.

Why support this walk, this cause? Because people still need help. HIV/AIDS affects or infects over 18,000 people in the state of Arizona, of which 15,000 are diagnosed and 3,000 people are HIV positive and don’t know it. All money raised is distributed equally to 16 Valley-wide member agencies that provide programs to prevent HIV/AIDS or assist those living with the disease. Programs include medical care, behavioral health, substance abuse programs, case management, housing, education, nutrition, and food support, legal, and youth empowerment. AIDS Walk 2016 fundraising goal is $400,000.

“Aunt Rita’s Foundation is excited to sponsor the 9^th annual AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run,” shares Glen Spencer, Executive Director. “This year our tagline for this event is ‘Walk to End HIV’ and we hope that all Maricopa County residents register and join us so we can help bring the local HIV epidemic to an end.”

AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run is a 5K event, about 3.1 miles, and the 5K Run is a chip-timed race monitored by Raceplace Events Systems, Inc. KIDS for the Cause & PAWS for the Cause participants may choose to take the designated Waggin’ Trail for a shorter route. Entertainment stages are distributed throughout the walk and local bands graciously donate their services. This year’s AIDS Walk Festival features the Bud Light Beer Garden with local entertainment, will be open after the 5K Walk & Run starts, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Registration and times:

Adult Walkers: $35 includes an official AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run T-shirt.

Student Walkers: $15 with student I.D., includes an official AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run T-shirt.

Kids for the Cause: Free and required for ages 12 and under. Check in and receive an event bracelet. Fundraise and be a SUPER Hero! Earn a red cape to wear on the walk for $100 raised, or a gold cape for raising $250!

Paws for the Cause: $10 for friendly, good-natured dogs to take part in the walk. They receive a commemorative bandanna and a bag of treats! Dogs taking part in the event must be registered and each walker can register up to two dogs. Assistance dogs are not charged to participate, but must be registered by phone. Please call 602-904-6001.