AIDS Walk Detroit will take place on Sept.17 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market starting at 8:30 a.m. Organizers are hoping to raise over $225,000 in an effort to help fund the work of local agencies. Known as the largest grassroots HIV/AIDS fundraiser in Michigan, this year's event will once again be presented by Delta Airlines. Since its inception, more than $4 million dollars has been raised to do the important work providing access to high quality, life-extending care, free from stigma and discrimination.
Both at-risk youth and other people living with HIV can benefit greatly from these kinds of fundraising events. In 2015, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services estimated that 18,800 people in the state were living with HIV. Of all teens diagnosed in the last five years, 82 percent are African-American, of which 64 percent are gay or bisexual, according to the MDHHS.
Volunteer at Arts Beats and Eats
With Labor Day Weekend, comes the fabulous Arts, Beats and Eats festival where local organizations like AIDS Walk Detroit can volunteer, build awareness and raise money for the walk taking place Sept. 17. Volunteer opportunities were still open at press time. All volunteers will receive a wristband for entry for the entire three-day event and a parking pass for the day they volunteer. Call Carissa at 248-399-9255.
After Labor Day, a walk information meeting will be held on Sept. 6 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
