California Graphics Firm Helps 2003 AIDS Walk

Employees of Digital Graphics ADvantage in Orange County, Calif., go all out for their favorite charities. This year, they are hoping to surpass the $11,000 they contributed to the Orange County 2002 AIDS Walk. About 300 employees and friends of DGA are expected to participate in the June 1 walk at the University of California -- Irvine. Although the event is still two weeks away, DGA employees have already raised more than $1,000 through on-site fundraisers at their offices on La Palma Avenue.

The firm held a cookie sale and is selling tickets on themed baskets. "There is a fast food basket, a movie basket, coffee baskets and Jan Saliba created a beach basket," said Debi Kristiansen, senior manager of human resources. Saliba's basket is actually a large, blue tub containing a Boogie Board and everything else needed for a fun day at the beach. Employees donate $1 for an opportunity to win the basket of their choice. DGAid, the firm's own charitable group, has also sold AIDS Walk buttons, pins and teddy bears.

Since beginning its relationship with the walk three years ago, DGA's graphic designers have held an annual T-shirt design competition. This year, Samuel Chun submitted the winning design and one of the two runners up. "I was surprised when I started getting e-mails telling me I'd won," he said. Walkers will purchase the shirts at $5 each.

Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona is serving as honorary chair of this year's AIDS Walk. It is expected to draw 10,000 walkers or more. The money raised by the walk will be disbursed to seven beneficiary agencies that include the AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County, The Center Orange County, Laguna Beach Community Clinic, Laguna Shanti, Mercy House, Public Law Center and the UC Irvine Health Education Program. Since its inception, the walk has generated almost $9 million for AIDS-related causes.

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