Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Windows - June 11, 2009
Ethan Jacobs can be reached at ejacobs@baywindows.com
"We feel very confident we will meet our budget, which is very close to what we actually achieved last year, which is just phenomenal," said Haag. She is particularly grateful to the participants and sponsors, she said, because AIDS walks in other cities this year have seen steep drops in donations.
Haag's own walk team, Becky's Babes, was the third most successful team, bringing in more than $16,000. When the team began fundraising Haag made a pledge: should the team surpass its $15,000 goal, she would "dye her hair blond and become a true babe." Haag said the team made its goal the Friday before the walk, too late to schedule a hair appointment, but Haag took the stage of the Hatch Shell the morning of the walk decked out in a platinum blond wig, a black dress (purchased for $10 at AIDS Action's resale store, Boomerangs), and a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes borrowed from a friend. For the normally sensibly-suited, conservatively-coiffed Haag the look was a departure to say the least.
"It was quite the fashion moment, not to be missed," Haag said, laughing, and added, "We had to differentiate ourselves this year and we had to throw ourselves into it."
Haag said there is no official tally of the number of walkers this year, since many do not formally register, but AAC estimates that between 12,000 and 15,000 people took to the streets for the cause. She said AAC staff and board members showed a particularly strong commitment to supporting the event this year; of the top 10 individual highest fundraisers, six were either AAC staff or current or past board members.
"I think that also just says so much about the commitment of AIDS Action's staff and board itself, knowing we had to work extra hard this year to make sure the people we serve had to have the funding this year to carry on," said Haag.
090611
BY090601
Copyright © 2009 - Bay Windows. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through Bay Windows - ..
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .