AIDS Network, which provides HIV/AIDS prevention and case management services to 13 counties in south central Wisconsin, will hold its first fund-raising walk in Madison on September 27. "We needed to take the driver seat in controlling our financial future, which includes doing our own fund-raising events," said Executive Director Bob Power. Previously, AN has participated in the AIDS Walk Wisconsin fund-raiser organized by AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin; Madison served as a second venue for the walk. Power was alarmed by recent statistics from state health officials indicating a 16 percent increase in HIV infections in 2002, especially since state and county budget cuts have forced AN to slash its prevention programs. Powell apologized for inadvertently scheduling the walk on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and said it would not happen again. The 4.4-mile "Walk, Roll & Stroll" will be begin in Brittingham Park and will head to the Capitol before looping back to the park. Disco legend Thelma Houston will kick off the walk at the 11:30 a.m. opening ceremonies and sing that night at a benefit concert at the Club Majestic. For more information, visit www.aidsnetwork.org.

Back to other news for September 11, 2003

Search the Newsroom archive