AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, one of the city’s most high-profile annual events that raises money to combat HIV/AIDS, will take place Sept. 17.
This year’s event will be held at 10 a.m. at Columbus and Balbo in Grant Park. The celebrity spokesperson will be TV/film/ stage actor Leslie Jordan of the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre production Like a Dog on Linoleum. Jordan also is known for his recurring role as Beverley Leslie on TV’s Will & Grace.
In addition to a 5K run and a 5K walk, the event will feature a health expo, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health, where local HIV/AIDS service agencies will have booths. There will also be pre-event, course route and post-event musical entertainment. Registration is $20 in advance and $25 on site.
Proceeds from the run/walk will benefit the grant-making program of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). Interested persons can obtain registration materials and get more information at www.aidschicago.org or (312) 922-2322.
Regarding the event, the AFC is warning the public to be wary of scams involving individuals collecting donations. In a statement, AFC Executive Director Mark Ishaug noted that the organization has received reports of people asking for donations while being in various public locales, including street festivals. Ishaug added that the safest way to make a pledge or donation is to do so online. Checks should be made out directly to AFC.