AFC Named Beneficiary of New Event -- AIDS Run & Walk 2001

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) will be the beneficiary of AIDS Run & Walk 2001, a new citywide event owned and organized by the production firm of Chicago Special Events Management (CSEM).

"Launching this event is critical because it will raise desperately needed funds to help people affected by HIV and AIDS, and will serve as a public reminder that the epidemic is far from over," said Mark Ishaug, AFC executive director. "Every dollar AFC receives from AIDS Run & Walk 2001 will support critically important AIDS prevention and care services across metropolitan Chicago."

The event's proceeds will be directed to a variety of HIV/AIDS projects and services through AFC's long-established grantmaking program. Last year, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago awarded $1,030,000 in grant awards to 56 Chicago-area HIV/AIDS organizations for AIDS care, prevention, education, and advocacy projects.

"Over the years, Chicago Special Events has helped to raise millions of dollars for charitable organizations in Chicago," says Hank Zemola, company CEO. "We are delighted to have the AIDS Foundation of Chicago as the beneficiary of this new effort against HIV/AIDS and look forward to the impact it will have on the entire community."

Chicago Special Events Management produces over 50 fundraising events each year, including walks, runs, concerts, and street festivals. Their successful track record assures that this new event will raise public awareness and critical grassroots funding for area HIV/AIDS services.

AFC works to ensure that available funds are directed to the services and communities that need them the most by following strict funding guidelines and consulting with individuals on the frontlines of HIV/AIDS. AFC grant reviewers meet with members of the AFC Service Providers Council to discuss emerging trends in the epidemic and areas of acute need. In addition, AFC gives funding priority to organizations serving and governed by people of color in recognition of the disproportionate impact HIV/AIDS is having on African Americans, Latino/as, and other minority communities.

AIDS Run & Walk 2001 is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 23, along Chicago's lakefront.

Established in 1985 to coordinate local response to the epidemic, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is the largest source of philanthropic support for AIDS programs in the Midwest. Since 1988, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's grantmaking program has provided more than $9.5 million to support AIDS care, prevention, education, and advocacy projects throughout the Chicago area.

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