On the morning of Sept. 28—despite off-and-on rain showers and a forebodingly overcast sky—2,000 participants “showed up and showed out” for the 23rd annual AIDS Run & Walk.
As speakers played tunes like Donna Summer’s “MacArthur Park Suite,” runners, walkers and their supporters all gathered in the drizzle to raise funds and awareness for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 25 community direct partners.
The weather managed to scale back the day’s program, with appearances by WGN-TV’s Dean Richards, Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th Ward) and vocalist Donica Lynn, as well as a display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, canceled. Still, this year’s event included words from U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-5th) and Jonathan Jackson (D-1st) and Producing Director Christopher Pazdernik of Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater.
AFC President and CEO John Peller discussed the statewide goal of eliminating HIV by 2030, while Jackson spoke about the progress in HIV care in the last three decades. There were also performances by musicians from Lakeside Pride Musical Ensembles and Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, who gave a spirited rendition of “Seasons of Love” featuring a solo by Sean Mallory.
This year’s fundraising goal was $500,000, with $367,000 raised as of Sept. 28. Contributions and donations will be accepted until November 2024. Proceeds from the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides direct benefit programs and services improving the lives of Chicagoans and vulnerable people at risk for exposure to HIV.
Sponsors for this year’s event included CIBC, Wendy’s, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois, ViiV Healthcare, Abbvie, WGN-TV, Discover, PepsiCo, Molson Coors, Gilead, Havas Chicago, McDonald’s and Fresenius Kabi.
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