The first annual AIDSWalk Lake County is currently being planned. The fund-raising event is being organized by Community Care HIV/AIDS Project (CCHAP) and will take place on Saturday, Sept. 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. “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. Sept. 20, 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. Suggested donation is $25 for a team of four.
Organizers are hopeful of incorporating an information faire into the event. Booth space will be available for $25.
For more information or to learn how you can get involved with 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.
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