20,000 participate in AIDS Walk, help raise $2.5 million

By Dexter Gauntlett
Daily Bruin Reporter

A wave of red shirts proclaiming, “20 years is long
enough” led the pack of 20,000 that marched six miles through
West Hollywood to show their support at the 17th annual AIDS Walk
Sunday.

This year, participants helped raise $2.5 million for AIDS
treatment techniques ““ $600,000 less than last year.

Organizers said part of the reason is due to overshadowing
efforts to raise funds for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist
attacks.

“We were a little disappointed at the turnout and amount
raised,” said Alexander Demay, who works for AIDS Project Los
Angeles, the second largest AIDS service organization in the United
States.

The event was originally scheduled to take place at Paramount
Studios on Melrose Avenue, but two weeks ago, the walk was
relocated to the Pacific Design Center. Both the Sept. 11 terrorist
attacks and relocation contributed to a drop in turnout and
donations, according to event coordinators.

The number of participants and funds raised had steadily been
increasing since 1987, with last year’s walk raising $3.1
million by 27,000 participants.

Last year the walk attracted the support of locals, celebrities,
city government officials, major companies and schools from all
over Southern California.

APLA is responsible for allocating the proceeds from the walk to
a variety of smaller treatment and preventative programs, including
Caring For Babies With AIDS, Gay & Lesbian Services Center of
Greater Long Beach, and the Van Ness Recovery House.

Dr. Bruce Hensel of KNBC, who spoke at the event, said it was
difficult to raise money for such causes as AIDS after the Sept. 11
attacks due to the overwhelming need of support for World Trade
Center victims.

Hensel drew connections between AIDS patients and events
surrounding Sept. 11.

“We learned about the loss of life and loved ones, and we
learned about fear and the misjudgments of others,” he
said.

He considered AIDS a terrorist which “we will
overcome.”

Despite the drop in turnout, morale remained high. Actor Wilson
Cruz, one of the hosts, said he noticed a unique feeling among the
participants.

“It was amazing to see so many people show up so soon
after the Sept. 11 attacks,” Cruz said. “People came
looking for a sense of community and they found it.”

Second-year psychology student Kelly Cotter said she noticed a
sense of unity for the cause.

“The more people that come, the more it shows the strength
in numbers,” she said.

“Just by being here it’s helping the cause, despite
how much money is actually raised,” she said.

Opening ceremonies began at 9:30 a.m., which included speeches
from Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, “West Wing” actor
John Spencer and Eric McCormack from “Will and
Grace.”

While some wore red shirts to show their support, those who
raised at least $1,000 wore crowns on their heads.

Earl Fisher, 33, who works for the state of California, raised
$2,342. Both Fisher and his partner have been HIV-positive for
six years and have attended the walk each of those years.

“The first time, you feel isolated and alone, but to see
these people, it seems like they’re walking just for you, and
it feels good that so many people care,” Fisher said.

Second-year biochemistry student Julie Gaulden, a second-time
participant, said it was motivating and inspirational to see
thousands walking.

“It’s very moving to see so many every-day companies
and businesses, and they’re all out donating and supporting
the cause,” Gaulden said.