October in Austin brings many blessings. The weather turns cooler, offering relief from the summer’s oven. Monarch butterflies are seen in great numbers, adding color to the autumn gardenscape. And another great massing can be seen, too: Like clockwork, on the third Sunday, thousands of Central Texans will gather at Waterloo Park to demonstrate concretely their support for AIDS care and education.
AIDS Walk Austin ’99 will take place this Sunday, October 24, to raise money and awareness for HIV care and prevention. ASA organized the first AIDS walk in Texas, one of the first in the nation, and this year more than 5,000 people are expected to walk the 5K route. The money raised will benefit not only ASA, but 14 other nonprofit agencies, encompassing virtually every HIV/AIDS activity in Austin and the surrounding counties.
Waterloo Park at Trinity and 12th streets is the starting and finishing point. Check-in and entertainment begins at noon, and step-off is at 2pm, with continuing festivities after. So get those donations from friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors; then come on down Sunday and make a difference. Keep walking – we’re not there yet!
– Sandy Bartlett, Community Information/Education Coordinator
AIDS Services of Austin
This article appears in October 22 • 1999.