AIDS Walk NY 2011

By Mariana Garcia

The 26th Annual AIDS Walk is one of the world’s largest fundraising events for groups that work with individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The event, founded by Craig Miller and his activist organization MZA Events in 1986, has raised more than $116 million for HIV programs and services, such as the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC).

The GMHC is a well-known not-for-profit organization that provides care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families living with HIV. Over the last 30 years, the GMHC has been part of a nation-wide effort fighting against AIDS epidemic.

The 6.2-mile march began and ended in Central Park on May 25, 2011, a rainy Sunday morning. Following the march, a post-walk concert at the stage took place, during which it was announced that $6.2 million was raised during the event.

About 45,000 participants attended the walk, which brought together people from all walks of life, communities, organizations, schools, elected officials and celebrities. They were united by the same purpose — to raise awareness that the AIDS epidemic affects everyone. In addition to raising funds, the walk was intended to encourage the use of protection to prevent the spread of the disease and to continue the fight to end the epidemic.