The 14th annual AIDS Walk San Diego drew an estimated 11,000 participants, with 175 teams participating in the 5K walk and 10K run. The event kicked off at 8:00 a.m. in Balboa Park, and raised $400,000 for local HIV/AIDS agencies that provide food, medicine, shelter, hygiene and baby products, testing and additional services to individuals and families living with HIV/ AIDS. There are over 5,300 individuals and families coping with full-blown AIDS, and 15,000 individuals infected with HIV in San Diego County.

Since 1989, AIDS Walk San Diego has grown to become the largest single-day HIV/AIDS fundraiser in San Diego County. This year’s event was run by 600 volunteers and supported by 50 sponsors. The Center, which took over management of AIDS Walk in 2002, was able to reduce event expenses by $90,000 from last year, and organizers expect an additional $100,000 reduction. This means more money can be allocated to various HIV/AIDS organizations. Working with the San Diego HIV/AIDS Funding Collaborative, a program of Alliance Healthcare Foundation, AIDS Walk has raised over $5 million so far.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity and support this event has received from the citizens of San Diego,” said Fred Sainz, chairman of the AIDS Walk community advisory council. “The willingness to help, time, energy, resources and dedication to community health will help make a substantial difference in the lives of all who are infected and affected by the disease.”

Team Pfizer was the top fundraiser this year, collecting more than $30,000 in donations. Alex Montiel, a first-time participant, won the USATF sanctioned 10K run, with a time of 35 minutes, 46 seconds. There was a post-event festival that included free HIV screening, live entertainment, food and information booths.

All funds generated from AIDS Walk are turned over to the San Diego HIV Funding Collaborative, and are combined with other monetary donations from local and national organizations, businesses and individuals. The funds are then distributed to various local HIV/AIDS agencies through a granting process managed by the HIV Funding Collaborative. Allocations will be awarded in December 2003.