LAKE COUNTY — Preparations for the third annual AIDSWalk Lake County are under way. Community Care HIV/AIDS Program (CCHAP) is seeking volunteers, participants, vendors and sponsors. Proceeds from the event will assist CCHAP in continuing its mission to provide for residents living with HIV and/or AIDS.
AIDSWalk Lake County 2010 will be held Sept. 18 at Austin Park in Clearlake. The event will provide an opportunity for local resource providers to showcase the services they offer in Lake County. Non-profit organizations, especially those serving the health field, are greatly encouraged to participate. Retail vendors are also welcome.
CHAPP Drop-In Center Program Coordinator Ken Young said that success of this event is vital to continuing services for people living with AIDS/HIV in Lake County. “For the first time since I”ve been here, many of our funding resources have dried up earlier than usual, due to high costs of utilities, rent and food. Scarcity of food for the vulnerable and most-needy is a major concern in Lake County,” he said. “There is a lot at risk and even in this recessive climate, we need to make AIDSWalk 2010 the most successful to date.”
According to Young, CCHAP will have lost $100,000 by year”s end. “We have a governor who wants to address the budget shortfalls entirely on the backs of the poor, the elderly and others who are most frail,” he said. “There is less money for programs who help the disenfranchised. There is more competition for whatever remains.”
Young said there are many ways to participate in AIDSWalk 2010. Those wishing to do the foot work and walk the flat, mile course around Austin Park can pay an entry fee or enlist sponsors. The entry fee for an AIDSWalker is only $25 for a group of four or a mere $5 donation for an individual walker.
Non-profit organizations, particularly those that promote health and wellness are invited to participate. Table reservations are obtainable with a $25 donation. “We would like to see as many resource providers as we can at this event,” Young said. “This is really their chance to show the public what they are doing to help the community.”
Area retailers who are interested in contributing goods such as water, food, drinks, snacks, lumber, signage, etc. are also being sought as are volunteers to assist with various tasks associated with conducting a successful event. Youth organizations are welcome as well.
The first planning meeting for AIDSWalk 2010 will be held at 1 p.m. June 23 at the CHAPP Drop-In Center, 14644-B Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake. Anyone interested in contributing to the success of the event is invited and encouraged to attend. For more information call the CHAPP office at 995-1606.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
