LAKE COUNTY — The first annual AIDSWalk Lake County is currently being planned. The fundraising event is being organized by Community Care HIV/AIDS Project (CCHAP) and will take place on September 20 at Austin Park in Clearlake.
A strategy meeting is planned for 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31 at the Lake Center for Support, 14370 Pearl Avenue in Clearlake. All interested members of the community willing to volunteer in the planning of the event are invited and encouraged to attend.
Thomas Dunn, a client of the CCHAP program, is spearheading the event. Dunn has been a resident of the area for about 10 years and said he saw the need for community awareness. “I did three benefits in San Mateo and saw that there was nothing up here,” he said. “I”ve seen changes in this place and I like to see them for the better.”
Ken Young, CCHAP program coordinator, said the timing of the event is perfect. “With budget cuts this is coming at the right time,” he said. “Proceeds from the event will be emergency money to fill the gaps in funding, especially for living expenses and the food cupboard. People are being hurt with the price of gas and food costs.”
Organizers are depending on the support of the community to make this fundraiser a success. CCHAP clients are currently marketing the event and have found positive response from agencies such as the Lucerne Health Clinic, Planned Parenthood and Sutter Lakeside has reportedly agreed to post the event on its Web site. Organizers are seeking the support of Dr. Kabota as well, who according to Young, is the only AIDS specialist in the county.
“We need more people involved in the strategy meetings,” Young said. “The more people in the community coming together, the better. Everybody wins when we come together and help each other.”
The walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during which time participants will walk around the half-mile perimeter of the park. “It would especially exciting to have sponsored groups from local businesses to do the walking laps around Austin Park,” Young said. Suggestion donation is $25 for a team of four.
Organizers are hopeful of incorporating an information faire into the event. The participation of Lake County health care agencies is being sought. Booth space will be available for $25.
“Save the date for Saturday, Sept. 20 when our collective communities come together to support the health and wellness of Lake County,” said Young. “Together we can do this and more.”
For more information or to learn how you can get involved with the first annual AIDSWalk Lake County, call Ken Young at 995-1606; or attend the next strategy meeting 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31 at the Lake Center for Support, 14370 Pearl Avenue in Clearlake.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
