Los Angeles AIDS
Walk breaks records

A record-breaking crowd filled the streets of Los Angeles and West Hollywood Sunday for the 22nd annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles. The event benefits AIDS Project Los Angeles and 19 other AIDS service organizations and is Southern California's largest HIV/AIDS fund-raiser.

"Today, the people of Los Angeles County demonstrated their continued determination to end the AIDS epidemic by turning out 30,000 strong and raising a record $3,768,295," Craig R. Miller, who founded the AIDS Walk in 1985 and produces the event each year, said in a statement. "As a community, we sent a message of unity, determination, and remembrance in the battle against a disease that continues to affect us all."

The 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) walkathon benefits groups in Los Angeles County who support people with HIV/AIDS from Antelope Valley to Long Beach. Each organization provides a variety of programs, including medical care, prevention education, substance abuse counseling, child care for parents with HIV/AIDS, affordable housing, women's programs, and camping programs for children with HIV/AIDS.

"AIDS Walk Los Angeles continues to bring vital attention and funding to the fight against a disease that shows no signs of slowing," Craig E. Thompson, executive director of APLA said in a statement. "APLA relies on the amazing work of walkers, volunteers, and corporations, and we are in awe of their tremendous effort today."

The Ten Tenors, Peter Gallagher (The O.C.), and Stephanie Mills performed during the opening ceremony. In addition, celebrity guests at the walk included: Wayne Brady (Celebrity Duets), Rita Moreno (Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner), Carson Kressley (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Celebrity Duets), Kimberly McCullough (General Hospital), Jason Thompson (General Hospital), and Wilson Cruz (Noah's Arc, My So-Called Life). (The Advocate)