AIDS Walk set for Sept. 29

Organizers hope to make it an annual event

By Journal staff | Saturday, September 22, 2007

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RAPID CITY -- The Black Hills AIDS Walk will take place Saturday, Sept. 29, in downtown Rapid City.

Events will begin at noon with music and registration at the Memorial Park band shell near Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. A short program is planned at 1:15 p.m., followed by the walk at about 1:30 p.m.

The walk is meant to raise money to support HIV and AIDS prevention work in the area. Funds raised will also help cover emergency expenses for people living with AIDS.

According to a news release from event organizers, the South Dakota Department of Health reports at least 350 people living with AIDS in South Dakota, with 35 new cases reported last year. The rate of HIV infection has also increased since last year, organizers say.

Walkers can choose from a short, intermediate or long-distance walk. Organizers still need individuals and businesses to help sponsor the walk, organize teams of employees to help raise money, sponsor individual walkers and supply volunteers to help organize the walk, according to the news release.

Donations of snacks, prizes and promotional items are also needed.

The walk is being sponsored by The Center West as part of its HIV/AIDS prevention program. Plans are to make it an annual event.

For more information contact AIDS Walk coordinator Beth Wojahn at 341-1871 or Mike Coats, director of The Center West, at 348-3244.

For more information, pledge forms and information about how to donate go to  http://aidswalkbh.blogspot.com/