About AIDS

More than 8,500 people are expected to gather in Waterloo Park for the 14th annual AIDS Walk Austin this Sunday, October 14. The 5K fundraiser benefits AIDS Services of Austin and 17 other agencies that provide HIV/AIDS services in Central Texas.

"There's still no cure for AIDS. But in Austin, we have an incredibly generous community," notes Shannon Sedgwick of Esther's Follies, "and we need your help." Shannon and 107.1 KGSR DJ Kevin Phinney are this year's co-spokespersons.

AIDS Walk Austin 2001 opens in Waterloo Park at 11:30am with live entertainment and an expanded children's area. The Walk through downtown begins at 1pm and ends back at the park with more entertainment, with closing ceremonies at 3pm. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. Walkers may turn in their contributions at Waterloo Park before the Walk begins.

In addition to raising funds for care, the Walk promotes community awareness of the impact of HIV in Austin. More than 3,600 cases of AIDS have been reported in Austin/Travis County as of June, with more than 2,000 deaths. The

Walk provides a place for friends and family to show their support for people living with the disease, to remember those who have lost their fight with AIDS, and to express hope for the future.

"AIDS - and the AIDS Walk, in particular - help us understand who we are as individuals and what kind of world we want to live in," says Kevin Phinney. "Become an instrument of change through your support of AIDS Walk 2001."

For more information, call 452-WALK or visit the Web site at AIDSWalkAustin.org.