Team LPC Scores Big For AIDS Walk 2009
Team Lambda Phoenix Center raised $2,370 for the Oct. 4 AIDS Walk 2009, a huge success for its first effort to raise money for the Walk. Lambda is considering applying to be a participating agency in the Walk. Although outside the bounds of traditional recovery-related topics, there is a huge correlation between HIV and addiction/alcoholism. A fair number of Lambda members are openly HIV positive.
In the final standings, Team LPC ranked 12th among all teams, thanks in large part to the efforts of one Lambda member. Thank you to him! A modest 15 Lambda members hit the pavement for the Walk, but this year’s effort lays a solid foundation for next year. This year’s goal had been $500, the minimum requirement for fundraising by a participating agency. We surpassed that early on in our relatively casual fundraising efforts. The generosity of our community was terrific, so thank you.
AIDS Walk 2009, which next year will be called AIDS Walk Phoenix, is run by Aunt Rita’s Foundation, a 501(c)(3) or non-profit organization charged with disbursing the monies from the Walk. This year, the Walk raised $322,350.42, which will be evenly divided amongst the 16 participating agencies, after expenses are taken into account. This means that any agency (Lambda would the 17th) would receive tens of thousands of dollars each year. Without taking expenses into account for this year, each agency would net more than $20,000. Obviously, with expenses the amount will be dramatically less, but it does illustrate the fundraising power of the Walk.
To help those in recovery or those seeking recovery to deal with HIV, Lambda is considering a host of options for reaching those with HIV/AIDS, as well as ways to help those who don’t have HIV to avoid contracting the disease. Ideas are only in the planning stages, but one of those ideas is web-based outreach to our community, which would help maintain the anonymity of those who do not want to reveal their diagnosis or their potential to contract the disease.
Further details will be posted about Lambda’s efforts in relation to the Walk. A committee to explore options for HIV issues surrounding LGBT recovery will probably be formed. Stay tuned to this blog for further details.
Posted in HIV | No Comments »
