This year’s fundraising goal was set at $150,000 and organizers are confident they will not be disappointed when all the money has been counted.
It was a beautiful day for the long, colorful string of walkers of all ages who snaked along the lakefront path. The mid-70s temperature made it just as ideal for the runners who lined up for the 10 a.m. start. Pre-race entertainment was provided by singer/songwriter Cathy Richardson, the cast of Diva Diaries, and the members of the Chicago Spirit Brigade acrobatics group. Along with the customary refreshments booths, a Health Expo tent dispensing information on HIV/AIDS prevention and testing was sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Participants registered individually, with a partner, with their children, some carrying pictures or signs in memory of loved ones lost to AIDS.
Every year the team category is very popular with corporate entities and not-for-profit organizations. As a result of a new program called Community Direct, this year saw such entries surge to 111 teams. The new rules allowed agencies that are part of AFC’s Service Providers Council to keep half of the funds pledged and raised for their own programs.
The overall winners of the race were Alex Atkin (male) of Salford, England, and Ieina Greenwald (female) of Evanston. Two additional awards were given out in the team competition: DePaul University won for Most Spirited, and Walgreen’s took the Corporate honors.