Money is still coming in, but Hope and Help is reporting that the 2010 AIDS Walk has raised more than $158,000, well above its $135,000 goal.
More than 1,800 participants representing about 150 teams gathered on April 24 to walk three laps around Lake Eola. Hope and Help of Central Florida provides support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
“We had more people coming out, fundraising was higher, the teams were energetic and excited to be there,” said Hope and Help events manager Julie Noda.
Organizers added a new prize for Most Spirited Team this year. “Real Biatches of Orlando” took home that prize and it raised the most money.
“They were the strongest fundraising team, like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” said Noda. “They held at least 10 to 15 fundraising events leading up to the AIDS Walk, everything from car washes to barbeques to a Botox party.”
The Biatches raised almost $19,000, blowing away their goal of $15,000.
The brand new team was created by Randy Ross after he attended the AIDS Walk for the first time last year and was inspired to volunteer in marketing the event. He and his co-captain, Scott Guthrie, decided they might as well lead a team, too.
“We fundraised a little differently than a lot of teams did,” Ross said. “We asked for $100 donors first and that’s how you become a Real Biatch.”
Noda is making plans for next year’s AIDS Walk. She said it will still be in April, although no specific date has been announced. Noda said the event’s growth means a new location will be considered that takes the walkers to the streets.
