More fans for AFAN and 26th Annual AIDS Walk
For the non-profit organization Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAM), their 26th Annual AIDS Walk in Los Vegas recently drew more than 10,000 walkers who wanted to “make their mark.”
Walkers joined the Los Vegas walk–which ran for approximately three miles– last April 17. Their participation was to draw attention to the need to eliminate social stigma of AIDS victims with the funds raised to benefit client services for men, women and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
This year’s walk raised a remarkable $440,000.
26th Annual AIDS Walk celebrities and personalities
After an amazing 15 consecutive years, the popular duo, Penn & Teller, worked their magic once more as the grand marshals for the walk.
The pair also presented the Penn & Teller Challenge: for every $250 raised by a challenger, they matched it with a donation.
They also used incentives to motivate challengers, like a photo opportunity and an exclusive meet & greet with Britney Spears, plus free show tickets.
During the event, the Blue Man Group was the top fundraiser for the day, managing to raise $4,000.
Another famous duo, Mercedes and JC from Mercedes in the Morning on Mix 94.1, hosted the opening ceremony.
Performers, local politicians, and celebrities united to give everyone a great time, from Absinthe’s “Green Fairy” Melody Sweets, Rachel Tyler of Steve Wynn’s ShowStoppers, VEGAS! The Show, Twisted Vegas, and Human Nature.
Carrot Top and Shangela also made an appearance. Josh Strickland sang the National Anthem and there were acts from Rose.Rabbit.Lie., Million Dollar Quartet, Mo5aic, Panda! and Zodiac Dragon.
The need for the 26th Annual AIDS Walk
For a cause that’s 30-years strong, AFAN noted its services continue to be crucial. Founded in 1984, the group provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada.
It serves over four thousand men, women and children infected with HIV that are registered as their clients.
AFAN Executive Director Antioco Carrillo said, “HIV/AIDS is everyone’s public health issue and does not discriminate by gender, race or socioeconomic status.”
“It is through this sense of community and duty that we can come together to truly make a difference,” Carrillo said.
“We’ve made strides since the first AIDS Walk Las Vegas 15 years ago,” said Penn during the march.
“Today, we celebrate major progress while keeping our eyes on the future and the work there is still left to do in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” he said of the 26th Annual AIDS Walk.