2006 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Raises $300,000+

CHICAGO—September 21, 2006—Although pledges are still being tabulated, this year's AIDS Run & Walk Chicago conservatively netted $309,000, making it one of the most successful events in recent history.

Sunny skies greeted 5,000-plus participants at this year's Run & Walk, held on Saturday, September 16, in Grant Park. Since 2001, the event has raised approximately $1 million for beneficiary AIDS Foundation of Chicago since it teamed up with event producer Special Events Management to replace AIDS Walk Chicago.

Contributing to the Run & Walk's success were approximately 150 teams including those formed by AIDS service organizations, individuals, schools, churches and corporations. There was even a team of more than 700 students from Loyola University.

Celebrity host of the event was WGN-TV and Chicago Tribune weatherman Tom Skilling. Entertaining participants in pre- and post-event performances on the main stage were rockers Barely Standing.

The event also included a Health Expo, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health, that featured 20 area HIV/AIDS service organizations.

In 2005, AFC--the largest source of HIV/AIDS philanthropic support in the Midwest--gave away more than $1.7 million to community agencies. Since 1988, AFC has provided nearly $17 million to area HIV/AIDS agencies.

Winners of post-event awards were:
• Best Individual Times: Mike Ruggio, Chicago, overall 5K run male winner, and Vuana Angel, Chicago, overall 5K run female winner.
• Most Spirited Team: Team MAC Cosmetics (corporate category) and Team DePaul (non-corporate honoree).
• Largest Team: Loyola University (700 members).
• Best T-Shirt Design: The HIV Care Program at Michael Reese (CommunityDirect category), Starbuck’s (corporate category), AIDS Foundation of Chicago Junior Board (non-corporate category)

AIDS Run & Walk website