CHICAGO The AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) is proud to announce the names of 31 community organizations that will raise funds through this year's AIDS Run & Walk Chicago event on Sunday, Sept. 14 at Arvey Field in Grant Park. This annual event, produced by AFC and Special Events Management, will raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS for both AFC and its CommunityDirect partners.
"We're grateful for this opportunity to increase momentum for the cause and fundraise alongside some of Chicago's most vibrant and impactful HIV/AIDS organizations," said John Peller, AFC's interim President/CEO.
Through this program, 90 percent of all money raised by a CommunityDirect team is returned to that participating HIV/AIDS-related organization. Last year, the 34 CommunityDirect partner organizations raised a combined $280,000.
The aim is to support HIV/AIDS programs and services in Chicago's various neighborhoods, particularly in those most affected by the epidemic.
"It's incredibly inspiring to watch local agencies of all sizes assemble teams and successfully raise funds to support these life-saving services," said Simone Koehlinger, Senior Vice President of Programming. "Their passion and dedication sends a message that HIV is not over and we are in this together."
The CommunityDirect partners serving the South Side are Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Greater Full Gospel Church, Men & Women in Prison Ministries, Michael Reese Research & Education Foundation, South Suburban HIV/AIDS Regional Clinics ( SSHARC ) and University of Chicago ( Care2Prevent ).
Those serving the North are Asian Human Services, Center on Halsted, Chicago House, Fred Says, Howard Brown Health Center and Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ).
CommunityDirect partners on the West Side include the Austin CBC Initiative, CALOR, The Children's Place, New Age Services, and Puerto Rican Cultural Center ( VIDA/Sida ).
Organizations that provide citywide services are AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, Alexian Brothers Alliance for Housing & Health, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago Recovery Alliance ( CRA ), FCAN, Heartland Health Outreach, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health ( ICAH ), The Night Ministry, PACPI, Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, and Season of Concern.
And finally, AFC is proud to partner with organizations that serve people outside of Chicago: Agape Missions ( NFP ), Canticle Ministries, Open Door Clinic, and Youth Outlook.
Event registration is $30 in advance for 5k walkers and $40 for 5k or 10k runners. To register as an individual or as a team, find course routes and more, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946. Online registration ends September 3.