The 25th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2009

Story by Esteban "Steven" Escobar, Diversity News
Photo by Alex Palomares, Diversity News
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On Sunday, October 18, 2009 more then 30 thousand walkers including celebrities and politicians took part of the 25th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles. The walk started from 10 am to 2pm in West Hollywood, CA at the West Hollywood Park: The route start was from San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and ended at Melrose Avenue & San Vicente Boulevard.

“I feel like experience that I had with AIDS WALK LA 2009 has definitely made a major impact on my life. First and for most, I want thank both Esteban “Steven” Escobar and Diversity News for encouraging me to become a part of this momentous and historical event. The energy of the crowd was electric. There were so many “Diverse” people taking part in this event including families with small children. Everyone was very positive and ready to become a joined voice in getting the word out about AIDS/HIV awareness. I also commend the support of the crew that works for the organization. They made sure that all of us participants were well hydrated and properly nourished throughout the event. They even cheered us on and made us feel special for participating. There were also DJ’s and live musical performances that help to keep our energy up to endure the walk.” Said Tish “ThaDish” Roberts, actress, model, host and choreographer and Diversity News #3960 Team Leader for AIDS WALK L.A. 2009.

Rain or Shine the streets of West Hollywood were full of caring and passionate people the walked with their friends, co-workers, their kids, couples and even dogs. The walk is 10K (6.2 mile) and walkers received a Certificate of Completion at the end of the walk. The Total 2009 Funds Raised: $3,146,206.00.

Ms. Roberts continued “I loved the experience of the event. In my personal opinion, it was all about being selfless of your time, energy and having compassion for human life. I am a total advocate for the advancement of not only social change, but of us as a people fighting to regain a better quality of life by staying healthy. This requires us not only becoming educated regarding serious or life threatening diseases, but to remain vocal in demanding that cures are still a priority for the proper channels to facilitate.”

Some of the celebrities and notable figures at AIDS Walk LA event included “Desperate Housewives’” Felicity Huffman, Kathryn Joosten, Charlie Carver, and Maiara Walsh; “Weeds’” Mary-Louise Parker; “Battlestar Gallactica’s” Trica Helfer and Katee Sackhoff; “General Hospital’s” Julie Marie Berman, Sonya Eddy, Fiola Hughes, Kent King, Kimberly McCullough, Minae Noji, and Jason Thompson; “Girls Next Door’s” Crystal Harris, Kristina and Karissa Shannon; Aaron Carter (“Dancing with the Stars”); Candis Cayne (“Dirty Sexy Money”); Wilson Cruz (“He’s Just Not That Into You”); Maria Da Silva (“CNN Hero” Award Recipient); Lashinda Demus (Olympian Hurdler and 2009 USA Outdoor Champion); La Toya Jackson; Ricki Lake (“Charm School with Ricki Lake”); Pauley Perrette (“NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigation Service”); Ashley Roberts (“Pussycat Dolls”); Daniela Ruah (“NCIS: Los Angeles”); Darryl Stephens (“Noah’s Arc”); Boo Boo Stewart (“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”). Also, Zelda Rubinstein (“Poltergeist”) and George Takei (“Star Trek”), who both attended the first AIDS Walk, were present at the milestone event.

“ I definitely plan on walking next year and every year after that. I am a “Lifer”. This is such a worthy cause and this non profit deserves all of the support it can get. I will remain a supporter and do my best to continue to get more people involved in the AIDS walk.” Ms. Roberts concluded.

Since AIDS Walk Los Angeles was establish, they has raised more than $66 million for APLA and other Los Angeles County HIV/AIDS service organizations.
The speakers were Jeffrey Katzenberg, DreamWorks co-founder, APLA board member, and AWLA sponsor, who spoke on behalf of APLA. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and West Hollywood Mayor Abbe Land spoke about the current HIV/AIDS crisis in Los Angeles and about the importance of the community’s response. Including, Jeffrey Crowley, President Obama’s Director of the office of National AIDS Policy, spoke about the national AIDS strategy.

Diversity News#3960 Team of Diversity News Publications was once again part of this year AIDS Walk LA event. They recruited 32 team members and raised $445.00.

About AIDS Project Los Angeles:

AIDS Project Los Angeles, is one of the largest non‐profit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education and leadership on HIV/AIDS‐related policy and legislation. With more than 25 years of service, APLA is a community‐based, volunteer‐supported organization with local, national and global reach. For more information, visit apla.org.

About AIDS Walk Los Angeles:

The world’s first such event, AIDS Walk Los Angeles was created in 1985 and has raised more than $66 million for HIV programs and services throughout Los Angeles County. The event launched the nationwide AIDS Walk movement and has grown into one of the largest AIDS fundraising events in the country. Over 25 years, more than a half million participants, many of whom were members of corporate and community teams, have raised crucial funds for AIDS Project Los Angeles and over a dozen other AIDS service organizations. For more information, visit http://www.aidswalk.net/.

About MZA Events:

MZA Events was founded in 1984 by Craig R. Miller and his organization of activists. Miller is the originator of the AIDS Walk fundraising model and has produced hundreds of fundraising events – large and small – generating more than $350 million for major AIDS organizations throughout the country and the communities they serve. For more information, please visit http://www.mzaevents.com/.

About DIVERSITY NEWS#3960:

Diversity News #3960 Team has been participating since 2003 to the present with AIDS WALK LOS ANGELES to raise money for a great cause that helps others and to give back to the community where they live and do business.

About DIVERSITY NEWS PUBLICATIONS:

Is a public relations firm specialized in Advertising, Design, Marketing, Printing & Public Relations services who combines all sources in one. Diversity News Publications publishes Diversity News Hollywood, Diversity News Online, Diversity News Los Angeles and Diversity News, a consumer news magazine. For more information you visit web site at http://www.diversitynewspublications.com/ or follow on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/eediversitynews

Display photo by Alex Palomares, Diversity News Photographer. Photos can be use with permission from the editor and publisher.© 2009 by Diversity News Publications (www.diversitynewspublications.com). All Rights Are Reserved.