Back for its 29th year, the AIDS Walk Austin will take place on October 16 at Palm Park. Proceeds from the event will benefit 11 local HIV and AIDS advocacy organization including the walk’s founding organization AIDS Services of Austin.
“The 29th annual AIDS Walk Austin will be bigger and better than ever,” ASA executive director Paul Scott told Austin.com. “This is such an important cause, and we look forward to bringing the community together to have fun and raise funds for HIV and AIDS services here in Austin.”
ASA provides a variety of services to those newly diagnosed and those living with HIV/AIDS including case management, support groups, dental services and a food pantry. They also offer HIV testing to those who think they may have the disease.
Austin-based musician Nakia will head up this year’s walk as the honorary chair. After the walk is completed, his band Nakia and the Blues Grifters will close the event with a concert. You may have seen Nakia on the first season of NBC’s hit singing competition show The Voice. He made it all the way to the final eight contestants as a member of Cee Lo Green’s team.
https://www.instagram.com/p/91YUNyFVmR/
Last year’s walk raised $227,000, and this year’s goal is $240,000. But you don’t have to wait until October to contribute. You can donate online right now!
Walkers can sign up as individuals or in groups. Each participant will receive a tee shirt. The suggested donation is $20 per participant.
On the day of the walk, registration and activities begin at 11 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. at Palm Park, located at the South I-35 frontage road and East 3rd Street. Food trucks will be on site, and opening acts will perform before the walk’s opening ceremony at 1:30 p.m.. Even if you don’t plan to walk, the community is invited to gather in the park and enjoy the music.
https://www.instagram.com/p/92EAuBLSC9/
The event will reach its zenith at 2 p.m. with a 2.75-mile walk through downtown and ending back at Palm Park. After the hour-or-so walk, Nakia and the Blues Grifters will take the stage.
https://www.instagram.com/p/91efXmJlpe/
—
Featured photo: Courtesy AIDS Walk Austin.
