The 20th Annual AIDS Walk Long Beach hosted by the Long Beach AIDS Foundation has set its fundraising goal at $200,000 for this year’s event, taking place June 21, but so far has only raised $60,393.
In previous years approximately 1,500 participants have attended the walk. The LBAF is expecting more attendants this year even with the shortage of donations.
“With the economy, people feel they can’t spend $25,” said Garry Bowie, executive director of the LBAF. “Fundraising is down.”
Last year $176,001.67 was raised, according to the LBAF’s website.
All of the donations go directly to programs and local organizations that assist Long Beach and South Bay residents affected by HIV and AIDS, as well as with prevention and education programs, according to the LBAF.
Long Beach has the second highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in the state, with 6,882 reported cases in May, according to the California Department of Public Health.
People of all ages are getting involved in the AWLB. Ali Gardner, the 11-year-old team captain for Walkers Help Others (the WHOs), became intent on making a difference in her community after finding an AWLB flier on her family’s door.
The WHOs are the third top fundraising team for the 2008 AWLB with a total of $4,895 in donations, according to Jeffers.
Hoping to encourage greater donations, Jennylyn Adviento a junior at Cal State Long Beach and team leader of the LB Wockees. Adviento has recruited a few friends to form a fundraising team.
City council members and a band will kick off the Opening Ceremonies at 8 a.m. on June 21 at the Pike at Rainbow Harbor.
