The reorganized AIDS Walk South Dallas attracted 201 walkers on Saturday. The event attracted 17 sponsors and 24 vendors that distributed information about services available around the community. HIV testing was available at the staging grounds at St. Philips School.
“With its new sponsor C.U.R.E., AIDS Walk South Dallas was a great success,” event Chair Auntjuan Wiley said.
He estimated the walk raised $10,000 and said final figures would be available within 30 days. Donations to the walk may still be made by sending a check to C.U.R.E., 3941 Legacy Dr. #204, PMB 199A, Plano, TX 755023.
Before the walk, Zach Thompson, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, and Otis Harris, Deciding Moments national campaign spokesman, spoke.
Thompson talked about getting churches and schoosl in black areas to talk about HIV and prevention. He quoted stats including Dallas County’s ranking as having the highest HIV transmission rate.
Beneficiaries of the walk are AIDS Interfaith Network and Kidscapes Foundation.
Organizing for next year’s walk begins in June. Wiley said next year, he’d like to see more pre-walk events. An opening party the night before the walk at House of Blues raised $500.
More photos below.
