More participants are expected and likely more funds will be raised, along with other changes, for the annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago ( ARWC ), which is Sept. 26 at Soldier Field in Chicago to support the AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) and 35 HIV/AIDS beneficiaries, which receive 90 percent of the agency's fundraising.
All money raised is considered "unrestricted" and can be used to support HIV/AIDS programs and services not fully funded by grants. Some agencies use the funds to purchase mobile testing vehicles, testing supplies and other items, said Rhett Lindsay, the AFC director of fundraising events.
ARWC also features a catchy slogan/campaign this year: Put Your Foot Down, which originated from AFC staff "hoping to evoke conversation and action about HIV and the event," Lindsay said.
"The mission of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is to bring awareness to the community, and that's exactly what this campaign embodies," he said. "There are a total of six creatives, each featuring an HIV/AIDS statistic specific to Chicago. For our posters, we've added a space for our community partners to add their agency's name, allowing them to connect their impact to the communities they serve. We hope the community-at-large will put their feet down to end new HIV infections and start conversations about how the epidemic affects their communities.
"We've received positive feedback about the campaign from our community partners, as it's a tool they can use to recruit for their own teams."
About 3,000 participated in the 2014 ARWC, raising more than $450,000 for HIV/AIDS programs and services. Lindsay said they are expecting up to 3,500 runners and walkers, and they are shooting to raise $500,000.
"All aspects of the event are coming together thanks to volunteers, sponsors, participants and an amazing events and communications team at AFC," Lindsay said. "The grassroots, community advocacy aspect of this event remains the strongest part—and rightfully so. It's Chicago's only event where all HIV/AIDS advocates come together for a day of remembrance, celebration and spirit. In some ways, it's like a big family reunion."
Lindsay, 38, who lives in Edgewater, oversees all logistical and fundraising efforts for the event. That said, "my role is strategy and diligent planning along with donor and sponsor cultivation and appreciation. For 3,000-plus people, that's a lot of water, bananas, port-o-johns, tables, chairs, emails, phone calls, encouragement, love and appreciation."
Lindsay said his favorite stories from the ARWC center on the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. In 2012, for instance, he was able to reconnect Mae Smith, an 85 year-old mother, to her son Ron's panel, which her family hadn't seen since his death in 1993. "Her entire family of more than 30 people joined us to remember Ron," he said.
"Each year, I hear more unique personal stories as to why participants and volunteers become involved with the event. These stories are motivating and a reminder of the important work by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and so many other HIV/AIDS service organizations throughout Chicago and around the world."
Months before the 2014 ARWC, Armando Ramirez contacted AFC about helping him propose to his then-boyfriend. "We provided the space and he was able to create a surprising, memorable flashmob proposal in front of thousands of participants—all caught on film," Lindsay said.
The opening ceremony this year will feature a performance by Artists Giving Back, a new theatrical non-profit in Chicago, which will perform during a presentation of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Plus, there will be fierce advocates who will empower and educate participants about the importance of their involvement and encourage them to continue their spirit beyond their run or walk.
Also new this year are COLORbands. Each person who registers will receive a COLORband, designated for their involvement or dedication for the cause. For instance, an orange COLORband represents a volunteer, yellow a Super Strider, fuchsia an AIDS healthcare provider, and so on. Altogether, there are eight designations representing a rainbow of impact on our community.
ARWC teams range from 1 to 60 people, and there are 35 HIV/AIDS organizations/beneficiaries who each have their own team.
Pre-registration for the 5K walk, as well as the 5K and 10K runs, is available until Sept. 20 at AIDSRUNWALK.ORG.
Registration also is available on the morning of the event.
"The walker and runner courses are separate, however, they both feature breathtaking views of the city," Lindsay said.
Top overall runners and the top finishers in each age-division will receive custom-engraved ARWC medals.
"Many HIV/AIDS service organizations around the city are commemorating 25 or 30 years of existence. Any involvement with AIDS Run & Walk Chicago can help us provide much needed service to connect people to vital care, treatment and supportive housing and end new HIV infections in Chicago," Lindsay added.
