On Sunday in Baltimore, more than 500 people took part in the 17th Maryland AIDS Walk benefiting the Health Education Resource Organization (HERO), which provides medical and legal services for more than 3,000 people.

Many said they took part despite the recent controversy surrounding HERO. An internal review cleared HERO Executive Director Dr. Leonardo R. Ortega of a former employee's allegations of misappropriating funds. Even so, a number of board members and key staffers have resigned, and city health officials have asked the Federal Bureau of Investigation to look into the use of the federal funds that make up most of HERO's $4.1 million budget.

The annual walk is a major fundraiser for HERO and has brought in more than $3 million in the past 17 years. Ortega said HERO was still tabulating pledges on Sunday but it appeared the event would pass last year's goals. The 2003 walk raised more than $75,000, said Wayman Merrick, a board member. However, a run planned for the day was canceled because fewer than the minimum of 20 people registered for it, said Tanya McKay, development associate.

Several speakers at the walk took note of HERO's problems but said the need for its services remains great. "Whatever the headlines, whatever the controversy, that's why we're here today," said emcee Sally Thorner, a WJZ-TV news anchor.

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