While we're here in the weeds preparing the best AIDS Walk Portland ever, we've been amazed--and gratified!--to see what some of the AIDS Walk team captains are doing to raise money. We love these efforts, because not only do they raise money for Cascade AIDS Project's mission, they help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Oregon and the continuing need to be tested and to care for and empower those who live with the virus.
Here are just a few examples of some of this year's efforts so far:
Disney Drag Queen Show: One team captain, whose theme this year is Disney characters, talked some local drag queens into putting on a special show with ticket prices going to his AIDS Walk team. Talk about creative!
House Parties: One of the most popular ways to raise funds for AIDS Walk is to hold a house party and charge admission. Often, hosts can get refreshments donated or at cost, and one host even managed to get a flat screen TV donated to raffle off.
Speaking of Raffles: Raffles are ever popular, too. That way a team captain doesn't have to clean the house for a party, and he or she has to do is sell tickets and collect a worthy prize or two for the winner.
Fashion Show: One of our team captains, who incidentally owns a bar, is planning a series of fashion shows. Last year, his shows earned nearly $10,000 for AIDS Walk!
Prizes for Large Donations: Team Captains have come up with great ideas for prizes for large donations, too. One team captain, a mechanic, gave a free oil change to every member of his team who raised more than $250.
We are immensely grateful for their--and your--help. Can you think of other ways to propel your team to the top of the fundraising spire?
Remember, AIDS Walk Portland is coming up: Saturday, September 2, at The Fields Park in Portland.
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Plans are well underway to make AIDS Walk Portland 2014 the most successful yet! This year, we're shaking things up a bit with a new date, a new location, and a new look.
New Date: We're moving AIDS Walk Portland from its traditional date on a Sunday to a Saturday to accommodate houses of faith who want to participate with their own teams and families. Next, we've moved it up in the year to Saturday, September 6, 2014, to ensure good weather.
New Location: It has been wonderful holding AIDS Walk in Pioneer Square, but we've outgrown the space and will be starting the walk at Fields Neighborhood Park. Best of all, the park will allow us to have a big celebration, including a beer garden, at the conclusion of the Walk!
New Look: To go along with our AIDS Walk "refresher," we're rebranding the walk with new colors, a new logo, and a new marketing campaign full of color and life to reflect the amazing love, determination, and joy participants bring to AIDS Walk. Keep an eye on your email--we'll be unveiling the new look soon.
Thank you so much for supporting AIDS Walk Portland and playing a huge role in helping Cascade AIDS Project achieve its mission of preventing HIV infections, supporting and empowering people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminating HIV/AIDS-related infections. We couldn't do it without you.
See you at AIDS Walk!
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AIDS Walk Portland rolled out on Sunday, September 22, and it was a rousing success. More than 10,000 walkers braved the potential of rain--the storm held off until safely after the walk--to meet in Pioneer Square in downtown Portland. They enjoyed a free breakfast, talked with friends, listened to inspiring speakers and energizing music, then made the 2.5-mile walk through downtown, Old Town/China Town, and the Pearl District--all to raise awareness of and money for the fight against HIV/AIDS.
What an inspiring morning! Walkers from the Wild, Wild Kingdom elicited chuckles with their animal costumes. Families walked in groups. Couples walked hand-in-hand. The occasional friendly dog nosed in for a pat on the head. Each of the thousands of walkers was united by the common goal of preventing HIV infections, caring for and empowering people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminating HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
And thanks to your help, we raised $480,000!! Amazing! Thank you so much, and we look forward to seeing you next year for AIDS Walk Portland 2014.
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Cascade AIDS Project is in "full steam ahead" mode for AIDS Walk Portland! We're looking forward to gathering more than 10,000 people on Pioneer Square on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
At AIDS Walk Portland, we'll listen to local dignitaries talk about HIV/AIDS in Oregon and SW Washington, and we'll dance to a DJ while we wait for the big kick-off. VIP fundraisers--that is, those of who raise more than $1,000--will enjoy a gourmet breakfast up at Departure, on the top of the Nines hotel overlooking the Square.
Then it's off for a 2.5-mile walk through Portland to raise awareness of HIV and the need to get tested!
This is a critical year in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A recent study by the National Institutes of Health showed that 96% of HIV-positive people in medical care don't transmit the virus. Since one in five people living with HIV don't even know they have the virus, we are renewing our efforts to get everyone tested and in medical care, if needed. It's a proven way to end the epidemic. As President Obama said last World AIDS Day, we are living with the possibility of seeing an AIDS-free generation.
Thank you for being part of AIDS Walk Portland. It's time to pull your team together and start raising money! We'll see you at Pioneer Square on Sunday, September 22nd.
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AIDS Walk Portland isn't until Sunday, September 22, 2013, but at Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) we're busy getting ready to make it the most successful AIDS Walk yet. Our goal is to draw more than 10,000 people and raise more than $550,000 to help us achieve our goal of preventing HIV infections, supporting and empowering people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminating HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
Toward that end, we're planning prizes for teams and individual fundraisers, lining up speakers and entertainment for the day of the walk, and settling details for the VIP breakfast at Departure Lounge atop the Nines Hotel for those who raise $1,000 or more.
Last year, thanks to everyone's support, CAP provided HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to nearly 15,000 people and coordinated wrap-around support services for 1,680 people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS in the five-county Portland metropolitan area.
It's not too soon to start putting together your AIDS Walk team! The AIDS Walk Portland website is up and running. We look forward to seeing you there!
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