Thousands Walk to Raise Funds for AIDS

Thousands took to the streets and sidewalks of Royal Oak yesterday for the 11th annual AIDS Walk Detroit to raise money to fight the disease. They were determined not to let last week's terror attacks on New York and Washington diminish the importance of an event that has raised more than $1 million for metro Detroit organizations providing direct care for people with AIDS, as well as education and prevention services.

"There are people whose lives depend on the money we raise, and we couldn't let them down," said spokesperson Ken Rosen. Most walkers seemed upbeat; some carried the US flag or wore shirts reading "I Love NY." Rosen also said the walk's organizers hope to top the $320,000 raised last year. Steppin' Out, the group that stages the walk, said the numbers of sponsors and walkers continued to grow this year. About 4,200 people registered for the walk, and corporate sponsors contributed $83,000. More than half of the estimated 13,000 Michigan residents with AIDS are African-Americans.

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