The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is thrilled to announce that registration is open for the 2013 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, September 28 at Soldier Field. This year’s event, produced by AFC and Special Events Management, will raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. There are an estimated 46,000 people living with HIV in Illinois.
“Whether you run, walk, or support those who do,” said David Ernesto Munar, AFC’s president/CEO, “we hope you join us to honor those we’ve lost to AIDS and to stand with individuals still affected by the epidemic.”
AFC is also proud to announce this year’s fundraising partners for the Run & Walk. Under program guidelines, 90 percent of all money raised by a CommunityDirect team is returned directly to the participating HIV/AIDS-related organization. In 2012, the event’s beneficiaries received a net return greater than $400,000.
The aim is to support AIDS programs and services in Chicago’s various neighborhoods, particularly in those most affected by HIV/AIDS.
“At the heart of AFC’s work is partnership,” said Joe Hollendoner, senior vice president of programs at AFC. “We look forward to continuing our work with CommunityDirect partners to raise HIV awareness and funds — one step at a time.”
The CommunityDirect partners serving the South Side are Christian Community Health Center, Greater Full Gospel Church, Men & Women in Prison Ministries, Michael Reese HIV Program, New Life Covenant, South Side Help Center, and University of Chicago (Care2Prevent).
Those serving the North are Asian Human Services, Center on Halsted, Chicago House, Chicago Woman’s AIDS Project (CWAP), Howard Brown Health Center, and Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
CommunityDirect partners on the West Side include the The Children’s Place, CALOR, CBC Austin West Side Health Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, New Age Services, and Puerto Rican Cultural Center (VIDA/Sida).
Organizations that provide citywide services are AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago Recovery Alliance (CRA), FCAN, Heartland Alliance, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, MATEC, The Night Ministry, PACPI, and Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center.
And finally, AFC is proud to partner with organizations that serve people outside of Chicago: Agape Missions (NFP), Canticle Ministries, Open Door Clinic, and Youth Outlook.
Event registration is $30 in advance; $50 on-site. To register as an individual or as a team, find course routes and more, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946. Online registration ends September 18.
