ABOVE: EPIC’s “I Run for Safe Sex” 5K/10K, photo via EPIC.
ST. PETERSBURG | Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) is holding a virtual “I Run for Safe Sex” 5K/10K now through Feb. 28, a Tampa Bay AIDS Walk event benefiting the organization’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
The fundraiser marks the first Tampa Bay AIDS Walk since 2017, an outing which raised more than $52,000 for EPIC. For 14 years, the walk inspired thousands of supporters to raise more than $1 million for their essential programs and services.
“We had been in discussions to bring the Tampa Bay AIDS Walk back and we had a lot of great ideas for 2020,” EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim says. “We were actively working on those when COVID hit so we had to switch gears. We didn’t want to take this long of a hiatus but we needed to reinvent it a little bit.”
Like the walk, all of EPIC’s fundraising initiatives were derailed last year. Organizers opted to hold the “I Run for Safe Sex” 5K/10K to raise much-needed funds and allow supporters to participate in a COVID-conscious manner.
“I was really looking forward to seeing the AIDS Walk back in 2020 and am disappointed that the pandemic has set it back,” Special Events Coordinator Molly Robison says. ““The great thing about going virtual this year is that anyone, anywhere can participate.
“On the beach, in your neighborhood, on your treadmill, or in the park with your dog – it’s your choice,” she explains. “Until we can safely run or walk together again, we’d welcome your support for this virtual event and EPIC.”
Registration for the 5K/10K opened last month with a fundraising goal of $15,000. For $50, participants receive an official “I Run for Safe Sex” T-shirt and a commemorative medal, mailed 2-4 weeks or available locally after they complete their registration.
Interested parties can complete their run anytime through Feb. 28. To track progress and help spread the word, they’re encouraged to utilize the hashtag #IRunForSafeSex on social media. EPIC shared photos of participants along the race’s medal below:
“Even if running isn’t your ‘thing,’” organizers adds, “you can support EPIC by sponsoring an individual, a team or simply by making a donation.”
For every $25 raised, EPIC says that nearly 140 pounds of food can fill the organization’s food pantry. $50 will provide a month of transportation for one client and $100 will allow them to conduct nearly 50 free HIV tests. $250 will cover the cost of gas for EPIC’s Mobile Testing Unit and $500 will provide five hours of mental health services.
“COVID really showed us where the needs were for our clients,” Winheim says. “We had to adapt because people still needed our food pantry to be open, and they needed access to mental health services because people became isolated and lonely. We knew these were services that were needed, but it was very eye opening for us to see just how needed they were.”
As of Jan. 29, supporters have raised more than $10,500. Winheim is hopeful the organization will meet the event’s fundraising goal.
“The Tampa Bay AIDS Walk has been such a staple in our community,” she explains. “It was a time for our clients, supporters, staff and everyone to come together not only to memorialize those who lost their battle but to celebrate everyone that’s still living.
“You can walk anywhere, you can walk anytime,” she concludes. “This is just a way to get out there, get moving and talk about an issue that’s really important. With everyone’s support, I think this is going to be a success.”
For more information about EPIC, visit MyEPIC.org. To learn more about the “I Run for Safe Sex” 5K/10K, register and make a donation, click here.
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