LAKE COUNTY — The fourth annual AIDSWalk Lake County united hundreds in an effort to raise awareness to the seriousness of AIDS/HIV. The fundraising event, hosted by Community Care AIDS/HIV Program (CCHAP) was held Sept. 17 at Austin Park in Clearlake.
“I think this was my favorite AIDSWalk. It was a beautiful day and we had a good turnout of walkers and the best of Lake County service providers including Sutter Lakeside and St. Helena Clear Lake hospitals, who gave free health screenings,” Ken Young, CCHAP Drop-In Center coordinator, said. “It was an eclectic gathering of diverse community organizations and individuals dedicated to health and wellness in our county and a great opportunity for citizens to get information on what is available and where.”
This year”s event saw participation of 15 walking groups of four or more people with as many as 20 in a group. Young said especially notable were the Safeway walkers, organized by Sandy Thomas; Debbie & Friends, Sunrise Services, Clearlake Oaks and Clearlake United Methodist churches, Hospice Services, Yuba College Interact Club and others. “Additionally, there were 50 individual walkers enjoying the gathering for our fist walk of the day at 10:30 a.m.,” Young said.
Individual walker Erika Allen said that she walked 20 laps for AIDSWalk in memory of her boyfriend”s uncle, Kurt Rakestraw. She said her highest sponsor was Liz Byrd, of Lakeside Herbal Solutions, who sponsored $10 a lap. With other sponsors, Allen said she raised a total of $260 for AIDSWalk.
The event featured guest speakers Dr. Marshall Kubota and District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing. “As difficult as times are for everyone, and times aren”t easy, it”s even more difficult for those who are ill,” Rushing said. “This event is about community coming together to help others out in the community. It”s an act of generosity.”
The event also enjoyed the participation of a variety of service providers such as Lake Family Resource Center, North Coast Opportunities, Sierra Club, Konocti Senior Support Services, Any Positive Change, Lake County Stonewall Democratic Club, Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Business Association and Lodi and Moran”s pharmacies. Moran”s was out promoting its new flavored medication options. “If children don”t like the taste of their medications, we can flavor it,” Jennifer Garcia said.
Andy Rosoff got the event moving with folk/pop/rock music from the Gazebo; he later joined “Without a Net” on the main stage. In between sets, the crowd applauded gospel singer, Phil McAlpin, who was later joined by the Clearlake Oaks United Methodist Church Choir.
“As I walked around the little village we created at Austin Park, I saw folks embracing and helping each other,” Young said. “Many noted that there was such a good feeling of love, gratitude and sense of real unified community at this event. There was just a good vibe all around with lots of smiles, hugs and sharing.”
The event included raffle opportunities and individual fundraising efforts, as well. “I was blown away by the little brother and sister team of Anastasia and Xavier Weibel, who enthusiastically sold $200 worth of raffle tickets,” Young said, “and walking through our village for hours, Jeri Spittler sold nearly $100 worth of homemade cookies.”
Young said success of the event will assist CCHAP clients and staff in filling the many gaps left by reduced funding sources and continue the program”s community outreach and efforts to build community partnerships. “We all need to work together here in Lake County and find creative ways to use limited resources,” he said. “Each year, this event has built in diversity and community involvement and it would be great to have the event reach more residents and expand potentially life-saving information.”
Young continued, “My wish is that there be a place for anyone to get HIV testing, regardless of their health insurance coverage or inability to pay. You have to have either health insurance or approximately $80 to get tested at our public health department, which is a shame.”
For more information regarding CCHAP, call 995-1606.
