PRESS RELEASE
July 6th, 2009
FUNDRAISING WALK DISTRIBUTES NEEDED SUPPORT TO HIV COMMUNITY!
AIDS Walk New Haven, Inc. raises over $30,000 for local HIV/AIDS organizations.
New Haven, CT July 7, 2009 – This week, AIDS Walk New Haven Inc. donated funds raised from the 5th annual AIDS Walk to ten local organizations that provide services to the HIV/AIDS community. The Walk took place on the New Haven Green on April 26, 2009 and included over 600 participants.
While AIDS Walk New Haven has been a yearly event for the past 5 years, it continues to grow as an organization and recently obtained 501(c) non-profit status. This year, the Walk included live performances from local bands and dance groups and even a pre-Walk stretching warm-up from local yoga instructors. The event also featured three keynote speakers from the greater New Haven HIV community. Each year, the Walk raises funds to distribute to the ten organizations that compose the New Haven Mayor’s Task Force on HIV/AIDS. The planning committee is completely composed of Yale undergraduates.
The money raised from the 5K Walk helps fund vital community projects. "In these challenging economic times the funds raised by AIDS Walk New Haven are essential to help us continue providing essential services to individuals with HIV/AIDS and their affected families,” said Chris Cole, executive director of AIDS Project New Haven, recipient of over $4000 from the Walk. “AIDS Walk New Haven is a powerful example of community coming together to raise awareness, respond to a public health issue, promote individual and community wellness and help those most in need. I am proud and grateful for the partnership that AIDS Project New Haven, all members of the Mayor's Task Force on AIDS and such a dedicated, motivated and responsive group of Yale students have formed to make this important annual community event a reality”
Recent cuts in the state budget cut have significantly affected financial support for these services, making the Walk a particularly timely event. Governor Rell’s recent executive order cut all state funding to AIDS services, syringe exchange programs and community services for persons with AIDS. "With Governor Jodi Rell slashing and burning AIDS services around Connecticut, private donations, such as those amassed through AIDS Walk New Haven are a vital life-line for people with AIDS and those at risk of HIV infection,” said long-time HIV activist and public figure Gregg Gonsalves. “Once again, the people of New Haven have shown themselves to be more generous and civic-minded than the woman sitting in the Governor's mansion in Hartford."
AIDS Walk New Haven, Inc. continues to serve the community through awareness programs and fundraising efforts throughout the year. “This year’s walk was a success, but we’re already planning for next year,” said Justin Berk, director of AIDS Walk New Haven 2009. “The organizations that benefit from the Walk address a desperate community need. It is important that these groups continue to receive our support.”
In addition to AIDS Project New Haven, the nine other benefiting organizations include: AIDS Interfaith Network, Leeway Inc., Hill Health Center, Hispanos Unidos, Liberty Community Services, New Haven Home Recovery, Fair Haven Community Health Center, Planned Parenthood CT and Visiting Nurse Association. Next year’s AIDS Walk New Haven is scheduled for April 2010.
