Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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San Francisco Examiner - Monday, July 21, 2003
Evelyn Rusli, erusli@examiner.com
Even though the figures represent a slight drop in turnout from last year's 25,000 participants and $3.5 million total, the organizers were very satisfied with the results.
"The fact that we were able to raise so much during a weak economy really underscores this community's commitment to the fight against AIDS," said Craig Miller, AIDS Walk producer.
The walk included a lineup of celebrity speakers such as Mayor Willie Brown, Broadway star Rita Moreno, Hal Sparks from "Queer as Folk" and Emmy nominee Thora Birch. There were also musical performances by At Last, Valerie Pettiford, Ledisi and Native Element.
In its inaugural year, the AIDS Walk mainly comprised members from the lesbian and gay community; however, today, it represents a cross section of the Bay Area community, according to event spokesman Reg Norton.
"Gays and lesbians still lead the way in terms of numbers," Miller said. "But we're so grateful that the event has such broad support now."
Besides hailing from different backgrounds, each person had their own reason for participating in the AIDS Walk.
Some, like resident Jimmy McConnell, have been struggling with HIV for years and are intimately connected with the issue. In San Francisco alone, one out of every 50 residents are living with HIV, according to AIDS Walk officials.
"I've been HIV-positive for 15 years and it has instilled within me a need to get out and raise awareness," McConnell said.
While AIDS may be a personal battle for McConnell, he also came out to join the throngs of people and connect with a crowd striving towards a common goal.
"I come out for the enthusiasm," McConnell said. "You can just tell that it comes from the heart."
Others were there to support loved ones affected by HIV or simply to be part of a good cause.
"I'm walking for a dear friend Douglass, who is HIV-positive and fortunately alive," said Patricia Matthews. "But not everyone is so lucky and I'll keep walking as long as I can."
The AIDS Walk project plans on keeping pace with its committed participants and has no plans of slowing down any time soon, Miller said.
"It's important that the AIDS movement not become complacent and not to settle for too little," he said. "We've made progress but we still have a long way to go."
Second only to the New York City AIDS Walk, the San Francisco version is one of the largest AIDS fundraising events in the world.
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