Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Area Reporter - July 20, 2006
Rob Akers
"It is a good day for a good cause," said Meredith McClay, 38, of Oakland, who, with her two young daughters in tow, signed up the day of the event. "Hopefully, by the time my children get a little older there will be a cure for this thing."
Walkers shuffled their way from the starting point in Sharon Meadow around the 6.2-mile path through the panhandle. At the end of the trek they were met by various stands set up by sponsors offering refreshments.
The cast of A Chorus Line performed during the opening ceremony. At the starting point walkers were greeted by the upbeat drumming of Native Elements. Other entertainers who performed throughout the day included Norm Lewis, Finding Mercury, and Brad Wolfe & The Moon.
"We came to walk for all of us who have fallen and for those who are suffering today from this disease," said John Seizmore, 29, of San Francisco. He was accompanied by his partner Simon LeFleur, 31, who was diagnosed with HIV just last year.
When the day was done, walkers helped raise $3.8 million, according to Craig R. Miller, who founded the walk back in 1987 and who produces the event every year. That was an increase of $150,000 over last year's event, organizers said.
The funds will go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and 43 other Bay Area AIDS agencies.
"People from all over the Bay Area came together today to show their continued commitment and unwavering compassion for people living with HIV," said Mark Cloutier, SFAF executive director. "This money will help fund services for those with HIV, forwarding-thinking social marketing campaigns and innovative new approaches to prevent HIV infection."
Benefiting organizations are involved in such efforts as providing critically needed housing assistance for those living with HIV/AIDS, one area being hit hard by federal budget cuts. Other agencies provide treatment access, HIV prevention campaigns, and nutrition programs while some advocate for sound public policy and offer legal support.
"Twenty years ago we mobilized public support for the work of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and started a grassroots movement which has turned into California's largest AIDS fundraising event," said Miller. "As evidenced by Sunday's success, the Bay Area remains a leader in raising urgently needed AIDS funding and serves as a role model for the fundraising efforts of other cities."
Celebrities in attendance included Dan Ashley, ABC 7-TV news anchor; actor Leslie Jordan; Camryn Manheim, star of The Practice and The L-Word; Hal Sparks of Queer as Folk; and actor-comedian Bruce Vilanch.
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