LAKE COUNTY — AIDSWalk Lake County organizers are currently preparing for the fourth local event, to be held Sept. 17 at Austin Park in Clearlake. The event, spearheaded by Community Care HIV/AIDS Program (CCHAP), is in need of co-sponsors, volunteers, participants and vendors. Proceeds from the event will assist CCHAP in continuing in its mission to provide for area residents living with HIV and/or AIDS.
The event will provide an opportunity for local resource providers to showcase the services they offer in and around Lake County. Non-profit organizations, especially those serving the health field, are greatly encouraged to participate. Retail vendors are also welcome.
AIDSWalk is aimed at raising awareness to the seriousness of HIV/AIDS as well as funds to help assist those living with the condition. CCHAP client Rich Gilmore said outreach, education and support are important factors in dealing with HIV/AIDS. He said that CCHAP has provided him with the resources he needs to live a productive life.
“CCHAP has developed a community that I can be a part of where I can get the emotional support I need,” Gilmore said. “They gave me the opportunity to reach out to other people, especially the young people, to inform them of the seriousness of HIV/AIDS and how it impacts our lives.”
CCHAP Drop-In Center Program Coordinator Ken Young said that putting a face on the condition helps educational efforts because it provides a personal connection rather than just statistics. He said AIDSWalk is meant to put many faces on the condition. “That”s why we do AIDSWalk in Lake County, to reach-out,” he said.
Young said there are many ways to participate in AIDSWalk 2011. 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 $25 for a group of four or $5 donation for an individual walker.
Non-profit organizations, particularly those that promote health and wellness are urged 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.
For more information regarding AIDSWalk Lake County, contact the CCHAP office at 995-1606.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call directly at 994-6444, ext. 14.
