Pittsburgh AIDS Walk comes to a close

This year will be Pittsburgh AIDS Walk's last, said event organizers, citing competition from other charity walks, declines in participation, a tight economy, and missed fund-raising goals. Last year the rain-beset event drew only 800 people and did not get close to its $200,000 goal, down from $250,000 in 1999. "When you think of all the time and resources that we spend on this and you only come up with around $56,000, it just doesn't make [financial] sense," said Gina Focareta, spokeswoman for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, the walk's organizer. PATF is considering a dance marathon or basketball tournament for next year. This year's walk, "A Push Towards the Finish," will be held June 6. (AP)