AIDSWALK raises 'awareness, money'

Though the date for the walk is set for Sunday, Oct. 26, pledge-gathering should be initiated well in advance, said the event's coordinator Matthew Palmer.

Palmer noted that in past years, several UA residence halls, sororities, fraternities and departments have raised money for the walk.

Apache-Santa Cruz Hall supports AIDSWALK as one of its philanthropies and is gearing up for this year's event.

"Normally we have a really good turn-out. AIDS is something that's here and we need to do whatever we can to help those who are unfortunate enough to have it," said Kenny Adams, hall president and music education junior.

Ecology and evolutionary biology junior Sarah Brantley is already gathering pledges for this year's walk.

"It's for a good cause - it's a way to raise awareness and money at the same time," Brantley said.

Computer engineering senior John Lee raised money for AIDSWALK last year along with several fellow members from the Filipino American Student Organization, which does the walk as one of its philanthropies.

"There's a real need for people's support, and I just did it from the heart," Lee said.

As in years past, the event kick-off point this year will be Rillito Downs, on First Avenue one block south of River Road. Following an interfaith service and opening ceremonies, walkers will be off along a 6.2-mile route along the Rillito River.

Palmer said the goal this year is to break the $100,000 mark and set a new record for funds raised by the annual event.

The money raised feeds into services provided by the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, an organization encompassing PACT for Life, Shanti Foundation and Tucson AIDS Project. The group provides HIV prevention education, anonymous HIV counseling and testing and case management and support services for those affected or infected by HIV or AIDS.

"We'd love every walker to raise at least $100," Palmer said.

Walkers who raise $100 or students from kindergarten to 12th-grade who raise more than $50 will receive an AIDSWALK commemorative T-shirt.

Round trip tickets to anywhere in the United States will be the prize for the walker who raises the most money.

UA Basketball Coach Lute Olson will be a co-chair of the walk.

Those interested in doing the walk may pick up individual or group walker packets by contacting Palmer at 322-9191.