Why an AIDS Walk?

The AIDS Walk began in Phoenix in 1987, and quickly grew to become a community-wide event that at its peak raised nearly $1 million dollars. Sadly, the agency that hosted the event closed its doors in 2003. In 2007, a group of passionate individuals approached Aunt Rita's Foundation, asking to revive the event. The AIDS Walk may have disappeared from Phoenix - but HIV/AIDS has not. Infection rates have begun to rise, and our communities of color, especially the African American community, have experienced alarming increases in the number of people testing positive for HIV. More people need care than ever before, but federal and private funding for medical care and supportive services continues to decline. And the lack of HIV education and awareness throughout our community will only make the number of new HIV cases increase. Now, more than ever, our community needs the AIDS Walk. Please register as a team or walker and come to the AIDS Walk in Phoenix on Sunday, October 4, 2009.