Even before the Dec. 1 Sarasota/Manatee AIDS Walk began on Dec. 1, it was set to raise more money than it did last year. And this year’s walk did exactly that.
According to Trinity Charities, nearly 26,500 was raised at the event, well above last year’s $17,000.
“The walk is Trinity Charities most important and largest fundraising event of the year,” said Bruce Fournier, Trinity Charities’ Program Coordinator.
Money raised from the walk funds the organization’s Healthy People With AIDS health and wellness class and an emergency fund that working clients can use once a year if they miss work due to illness. It will also help the food bank, which is available to clients the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. According to Fournier, Trinity Charities gave out more than 36,000 pounds of food.
As in previous years, the 7th Annual Walk at New College had a large contingent of college and high school youth participating.
Having so many young people participate is not only a welcome sight, but a way to share the story of HIV/AIDS with a new generation and to educate them about prevention, according to Fournier.
Free HIV testing, educational programming, and additional health screenings were available at the walk, provided by Community AIDS Network (CAN) and Hedges Pharmacy’s CARES Outreach.
The event began at 8 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 1 – World AIDS Day – with food, raffles, music and prizes. Walkers took to the route at approximately 9 a.m.
This year’s walk is co-chaired jointly by Trinity Charities and New College. The planning committee has representatives from Manatee County Health Department, Michael Bach Health Center of the Manatee County Rural Health Services, Temple Sinai and the Comprehensive Care Clinic.
