Raising awareness

People from all walks of life came and showed support for AIDS Services of Austin (ASA) and AIDS awareness at the 24th annual AIDS Walk Austin Oct. 16 in downtown Austin.

ASA Communications Coordinator Katherine Lukens said over 1,200 people attended the event and more than $179,000 in funds were raised by the three-mile walk, which stepped-off at 2 p.m. at Austin City Hall. There was a variety of music by DJs at the walk base where several booths were set up by different organizations and charities.

The walk was founded in 1985 in Los Angeles, Lukens said, and has grown immensely in participation and fundraising each year since.

Lukens said ASA tracked the walk's fundraising on a thermometer at asaustin.org, and raised a few more thousand dollars for the cause than last year. She said the funds are used to support ASA and their sharing agencies. ASA aims to increase awareness of HIV impact and raise money for local services, she said, and to reduce the stigma for people living with AIDS and to enhance their well-being.

Olympic diving gold medalist Greg Louganis spoke at the opening ceremony and led the walk Sunday as the Honorary Chair of AIDS Walk Austin 2011.

Louganis, who tested positive for HIV in 1988, delivered a speech about his own experience with the disease and personal trainer Leon Miller led the attendees in a pre-walk stretch.

The Reagan High School (RHS) marching band drumline also led the walk with rhythmic beats. RHS Band Director Ormide Armstrong said this is the band's second year to lead the walk.

DJs Fine and Dandy, also known as Kate X Messer and Andy Campbell of The Austin Chronicle's "Gay Place," spun records and created a happy high-energy atmosphere for supporters to enjoy.

Some members of Austin Community College's Gay- Straight Alliance student organization volunteered at the walk. GSA President Megan Rue said the walk brings the community together to celebrate lives and lives lost affected by the disease.

"It feels special to be a part of volunteering," Rue said.

GSA Secretary Brittany Tovar and GSA Member Omar Lopez both said this was their fourth walk to partake in.

"It's a lot of fun, and a fun way to bring awareness to the issue," Lopez said.

Volunteer and Texas State University student Tiffani Bishop said it is important to support the cause, especially after the $19 million shortfall in Texas' budget for the Texas HIV Medication Program.

"We have to make up for the deficit and support awareness," Bishop said.