28th Annual AIDS Walk LA 2012 raises $2,912,209 for AIDS Project LA and 29 other L.A. County AIDS Organizations

On a hot and sunny day and on October 14, 2012 over 30,000 participates came out to raise funds for APLA (AIDS Project Los Angeles). The first fundraiser walk was in 1985, and every year thousands of people collect donations to support APLA and 29 other L.A. County AIDS Organizations. All the efforts paid off this year, AIDS Walk LA raised for APLA $2,912,209 to fight HIV/AIDS. The event was held at the West Hollywood Park located 647 N San Vicente Blvd in West Hollywood, CA 90069 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

“The 30,000 participants who took to the streets today can take pride in the incredible $2,912,209 raised to fight AIDS and lift up the lives those affected by HIV,” said Craig R. Miller, Founder and Producer of the event.  “Thanks to the thousands of dedicated people who walk and fundraise each year, we have made tremendous progress and we are facing a better day in the fight against AIDS,” Miller says. “But we have to remain strong in our response. We have to remain vigilant. And most of all we have to remain visible.”

APLA (AIDS Project Los Angeles) provides care and HIV prevention services throughout Los Angeles. APLA extends to all areas in Los Angeles and has nine food pantries, two dental clinics, and mobile dental van and much more.  Also, prevention education programs are an important part of communities they serve.  They also provide bilingual direct care to those in need.  For more information you can search on their website for details http://apla.org

“As we mark the 31^styear of the epidemic in the United States, AIDS Walk Los Angeles remains a critical – and, in fact, the single largest – source of private support for those who rely on APLA’s services,” said Craig E. Thompson, Executive Director of AIDS Project Los Angeles. “With their incredible fundraising, AIDS Walk Los Angeles participants are changing lives, powering prevention efforts, and supporting advocacy work to defend the civil rights of all who live with this still-deadly disease.”

After participates register, they are asked to fundraise to collect donations from family, co-workers and friends.  They set a goal, and get recognized for as much they collect.  When you collect certain amount of funds, you can receive great prices such as an AIDS Walk t-shirt, cap, ear buds or even a hoodie sweatshirt.  When a participant raises $1,000, he/she will receive the entire bundle of gifts. Dedicate supporter such as Cynthia Park, Tom Whitman, and Actress, Pauley Perrette had collected more than $23,000 in contributions. They deserve a hand and appreciation for working so hard in collecting for a great cause.

Schedule of events were organized to make this AIDS Walk possible.  Before the walk, Aerobic warm up got the walkers pumped up to begin their day.  Opening Ceremony followed which celebrities and AIDS walk activists address the crowd to give them encouragement and appreciation for them coming out to support this great organization.

The elected officials and special guests in attendance included:United States Representatives Howard Berman, Adam Schiff, and Maxine Waters; California State Senators Curren D. Price and Rod Wright; California State Assemblymembers Betsy Butler,Isadore Hall,and Ricardo Lara; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul Koretz, Paul Krekorian, Jan Perry, and Dennis P. Zine; Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich; Los Angeles City AIDS Coordinator Ricky Rosales; Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy; and West Hollywood City Councilmembers John J. Duran, John Heilman, John D’Amico and West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Abbe Land.

Awesome celebrities such as Christa B. Allen (“Revenge”), Leslie Bibb (“GCB,” “Popular”), Sophia Bush (“Partners”), Drew Carey (“The Price is Right” Host), Barrett Foa (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Daisy Fuentes (Television Host), Christopher Gorham (“Covert Affairs,” “Popular”), Dot Marie Jones (“Glee”), Pauley Perrette (“NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigation Service”), Andrew Rannells (”The New Normal,” “Girls”), Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”), Michael Urie (“Partners”), BeBe Wood (“The New Normal”), the cast of MTV’s “Awkward” including Jillian Rose Reed, Nikki Deloach, Jessica Lu, Molly Tarlov, Bryce Johnson, Tamara Mello, Carly Pope, and Norm Lewis (“Scandal”) joined forces to make this event interesting. (Please click on the photos to view regular size).

APLA emphasis without the support it would not be possible to provide services needed.  After the speeches and saying thank you to all who contributed the walkers set out at 10:00 a.m. Thousands walked holding signs with their company name or group name on it. School children bundle in groups to support. Dad, moms and their children walked hand in hand. Supporters who lost a love one to AIDS, or knows someone who has AIDS started their walk for encouragement.

Advertising is very important to educate and notify people about AIDS Walk LA.  For many years, AIDS Walk Los Angeles purchased paid advertisement on Big Blue Bus (operated by the City of Santa Monica).  This year Big Blue Bus refuses to promote charity advertisements.  AIDS Walk LA feels this is unfair, and hurts their promotion in getting the word out about the walk.  LA Mayor, Antonio R. Villaraigosa announced he will put advertisements on Los Angeles buses next year.

Providing best wishes to APLA, corporate sponsors contribute with love. This year’s Presenting Sponsor was AHF Pharmacy.  The Grand Sponsors included ABC7, The David Geffen Foundation, Paramount Pictures, Paul Hastings, Time Warner Cable, and Toyota.  Principal Sponsors included Albertsons, Delta Air Lines, Macy’s, Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Vons/Pavilions. Every penny counts, so APLA thanks all supporters and contributors.

A special thank you goes out to AIDS Walk LA management and staff for gathering thousands of people to Los Angeles to announce the importance of this organization, and why they work so hard to help those infected with AIDS. Awareness to all, that anyone can be infected with AIDS, but there is hope. Every year contributions make it possible to educate and provided services. It doesn’t stop here you can always donate by going to http://aidswalk.net/losangeles.  You can make a difference.

About AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA):  AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest nonprofit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education, and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation.  With nearly 30 years of service, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national, and global reach.  For more information, visit apla.org.

About AIDS Walk Los Angeles:  Since 1985, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has raised more than $75 million for HIV programs and services throughout Los Angeles County, and has grown into one of the largest AIDS fundraising events in the country.  In 2011 alone, 30,000 participants, many of whom were members of 1,600 corporate and community teams, raised $3 million for AIDS Project Los Angeles and 24 other L.A. County AIDS service organizations.  For more information, visit aidswalk.net.

About MZA Events: AIDS Walk Los Angeles was founded in 1985 by Craig R. Miller and his organization of activists, MZA Events.  Miller is the AIDS Walk originator and has produced hundreds of public service campaigns and fundraising events, generating more than $368 million for major AIDS organizations throughout the country.  For more information, please visit mzaevents.com.

Sources: AIDS Project Los Angeles, AIDS Walk Los Angeles, MZA Events

Photos credit to: Donna F. Aceto for MZA Events/AIDS Walk Los Angeles and Stella Gomez, Disco Stella’s Pics for Diversity News Magazine. 

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications, is an Official Media Partner for the second year in a row for the 28th Annual AIDS Walk LA 2012.

AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2012 Event Guide and Day-of-Event Information

Check out the AIDS Walk Los Angeles Event Guide

Or go go: http://issuu.com/aidswalkla/docs/laguide

Day-of-Event Information (Click on pictures to view regular size).

Date: Sunday, October 14, 2012

Time: 

8:30 a.m. Sign-In
9:15 a.m. Opening Ceremony Begins
10 a.m. AIDS Walk Los Angeles  Begins

Location: AIDS Walk Los Angeles will start and end in West Hollywood. Enter at Melrose Avenue and San Vicente Avenue.
647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Length: 10 kilometers/6.2 miles

Venue Map

Route Map

Parking:

Free parking is limited, carpool with friends and arrive early!

Special thanks to the following locations for generously donating their parking structures:

The Beverly Connection: 100 N La Cienega Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048
Enter from La Cienega Boulevard.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers: 8631 & 8635 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048
Enter off 3rd Street from Gracie Allen Way or George Burns Road.There will be a shuttle service available every 30 minutes before and after the event.

Street parking is also available surrounding the AIDS Walk Los Angeles venue. Please note that all parking restrictions will be enforced.

The Beverly Center (8500 Beverly Blvd) is available for AIDS Walk Los Angeles participants from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enter on either La Cienega, Beverly Blvd or San Vicente Blvd.Participants must show their Certificates of Completion to waive the parking fee. Certificates are distributed as walkers cross the finish line on San Vicente between Melrose and Santa Monica.

For $15, park at the Pacific Design Center at 8687 Melrose Ave, just east of San Vicente Blvd.
Enter on Melrose Ave, approach driving Westbound on Melrose from La Cienega Blvd.
Please note that this parking structure is only accessible before 8 a.m. Cars parked at the Pacific Design Center will not be able to exit until after 12 p.m. Wheelchair accessible parking will be at the Pacific Design Center.

Street Closures

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications, is an Official Media Partner for the second year in a row for the 28th Annual AIDS Walk LA 2012.

More than 30, 000 People to Fill Streets for 28th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles This Sunday, October 14, 2012

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Pauley Perrette, Andrew Rannells  and Other Special Guests Join 30,000 Participants for
California’s Largest AIDS Fundraiser.

WHAT:  28^th annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles (AWLA)

WHEN:  Sunday, October 14, 2012
8:00 a.m.Media Check-In Open (front of stage)

*Please contact Gabriel McGowan (listed below) to reserve a media access pass.
9:00 a.m. Aerobic Warm-Up on Main Stage at San Vicente Boulevard north of Santa Monica Boulevard
9:15 a.m. Opening Ceremony on Main Stage at San Vicente Boulevard north of Santa Monica Boulevard
9:55 a.m. Backstage Photo/Interview Opportunities with Celebrities, Elected Officials, APLA clients
10:00 a.m. Walk Begins                       

WHO:  More than 30,000 participants are expected.

Confirmed celebrity guests include: Sophia Bush (“Partners”), Christa B. Allen (“Revenge”), Leslie Bibb (“GCB,” “Popular”), Barrett Foa(“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Daisy Fuentes (Television Host), Christopher Gorham (“Covert Affairs,” “Popular”), Dot Marie Jones (“Glee”),Pauley Perrette (“NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigation Service”),Andrew Rannells (”The New Normal,” “Girls”), Jai Rodriguez(“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”), Michael Urie (“Partners”), the cast of MTV’s “Awkward” including Jillian Rose Reed, Nikki Deloach, Jessica Lu, Molly Tarlov, plus a special reunion with cast members from the critically acclaimed TV show “Popular” including, along with Bibb and Gorham, Bryce Johnson, Tamara Mello, and Carly Pope. “The Voice” contestant Jamar Rogers will perform, Norm Lewis (“Scandal”) will close the Opening Ceremony with his performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang, and Chair of APLA’s Board of Directors Tom Whitman will speak about the current HIV/AIDS crisis in Los Angeles County and the vital work of APLA, lead beneficiary of the landmark event.  

Other elected officials expected to attend include: United States Representatives Howard Berman and Adam Schiff; California State Senators Curren D. Price and Rod Wright; California State Assembly members Betsy Butler, Mike Feuer, Isadore Hall, andRicardo Lara; Los Angeles City Council members Paul Koretz,Paul Krekorian, and Jan Perry; Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich; Los Angeles City AIDS Coordinator Ricky Rosales; Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy; and West Hollywood City Councilmembers John J. Duran and John Heilman.

WHERE: West Hollywood Park: San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue.  Venue map. 

General Media Parking: Free parking is available at the locations listed below.

The Beverly Connection: 100 North La Cienega Boulevard (ZIP: 90048). Enter from La Cienega Boulevard.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers: 8631 & 8635 West 3rd St. (ZIP: 90048). Enter off 3rd Street from Gracie Allen Way or George Burns Road. There will be shuttle service available every 30 minutes before and after the event from this location only.          

Street parking is also available surrounding the AIDS Walk Los Angeles venue. Please note that all posted parking restrictions will be enforced.

Broadcast Crew Parking:  Space will be available on San Vicente Boulevard, north of Santa Monica Boulevard, behind the event stage. Enter San Vicente Boulevard at Sunset Boulevard and go south. There will be media parking along San Vicente. Please contact Gabriel McGowan (listed above) to reserve this parking. For day-of-event questions or assistance, McGowan will be available via mobile phone beginning at 5:00 AM.

MORE: Each day, seven Angelenos are newly infected with HIV.More than 60,000 are already living with the disease, and over 11,000 access APLA’s life-sustaining services, which offer medical care, food, housing support, and other vital necessities to those of lowest income. The agency also provides the county’s largest network of HIV prevention programming, testing and counseling, and robust advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. AIDS Walk Los Angeles is the single largest source of support for this critical work.

In addition, for many years, AIDS Project Los Angeles has run paidadvertisements on Big Blue Bus (operated by the City of Santa Monica) for AIDS Walk Los Angeles. These ads help educate and engage the public. But this year, the City of Santa Monica has banned these promotions and all other public service messages from charities. While residents of Santa Monica have taken their city to court to fight this absurd policy and preserve free speech, APLA is encouraging supporters to take a stand for the fight against AIDS and againstsuspect government priorities like this one, which favors commercial interests over the public’s interest.                        

About AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA):  AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest nonprofit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education, and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation.  With nearly 30 years of service, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national, and global reach.  For more information, visit apla.org.

About AIDS Walk Los Angeles:  Since 1985, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has raised more than $72 million for HIV programs and services throughout Los Angeles County, and has grown into one of the largest AIDS fundraising events in the country.  In 2011 alone, 30,000 participants, many of whom were members of 1,600 corporate and community teams, raised nearly $3 million for AIDS Project Los Angeles and 20 other AIDS service organizations.  For more information, visitaidswalk.net.

About MZA Events: AIDS Walk Los Angeles was founded in 1985 by Craig R. Miller and his organization of activists, MZA Events.  Miller is the AIDS Walk originator and has produced hundreds of public service campaigns and fundraising events, generating more than $368 million for major AIDS organizations throughout the country.  For more information, please visit mzaevents.com.

Press Contacts:
Gabriel McGowan
Director of Communications
AIDS Project Los Angeles
213.201.1521 (o)
818.450.6283 (m)
gmcgowan@apla.org

or

Brent Colby
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Communications
AIDS Walk Los Angeles
213.201.9255 (o)
310.844.3756 (m)
brentc@aidswalk.net

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications, is an Official Media Partner for the second year in a row for the 28th Annual AIDS Walk LA 2012.

Jeff Prang named again West Hollywood mayor & Abbe Land mayor pro tem Effective April 2012

On March 6, 2012 The Los Angeles Times newspaper reported that Jeff Prang, the mayor pro tempore of West Hollywood, will be sworn in as mayor of the city in April 2012. Prang, 49, was elected to the council in March 1997, he have serve as mayor for the fourth time. On April 16 he will replace John Duran as mayor, and Duran will remain on the council.

Prang born in Detroit in 1962 and raised in Warren, Michigan, Mayor-elect Prang is a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University with a B.A. in International Relations. In 2004 he completed the Program for Senior Executives in Local and State Government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He played the trombone in the St. Claire Shores Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan State Marching Band

Councilwoman Abbe Land will become mayor pro tem. Land, 56, was first elected to the council in 1986 and has served as mayor four times.

Land, a resident of West Hollywood since 1979, Councilmember Abbe Land has played an instrumental role in West Hollywood since its inception, where she was part of the successful campaign to make West Hollywood an independent city in 1984.

The other City of West Hollywood council members are John J. Duran, John D’Amico and John Heilman.

You can read more about Los Angeles Times story at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/03/west-hollywood-names-new-mayor.html

Sources: Los Angeles Times, http://www.weho.org
Photos credit to: http://www.weho.org

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to them again, but the City of West Hollywood really needs new leadership, most of these people have been running the city but not too much changes or action have been taken to make the city safe and better for visitors and businesses.

The 27th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles Raises $3 Million for the fight against AIDS

It was a perfect sunny day for walkers, celebrities, politicians, activists, friends, co-workers and families to gather in West Hollywood to walk and raise money for the 27th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2011.

The streets of West Hollywood and Los Angeles were filled with approximately 30,000 participants who walked the 10k (6.2 mile) and were there to raise awareness and needed funds to fight HIV/AIDS.

The goal is to walk and raise money for prevention, education, medical research/care and prevention. The 27th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles was held on Sunday, October 16, 2011 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in West Hollywood, CA (San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue).
In a press release issue by AIDS Project Los Angeles and AIDS Walk Los Angeles Craig R. Miller, Founder and Producer of the event said ”Overcoming economic challenges that continue to hit especially hard here in Southern California, our 30,000 participants filled the streets and raised $3,005,014 to fight AIDS and provide vital care for people living with HIV.” Mr. Miller, concluded “We are deeply grateful to them, and their tens of thousands of donors, for reaching out and making a powerful statement. We are our brother’s keeper—we are our sister’s keeper.”

This year AIDS Walk Los Angeles raised a total of $3,005,014 and last year AIDS Walk LA raised a total of: $2,878,711 for L.A. County’s fight against AIDS. Counting this year funds AWLA has raised more than $72 million for AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) and other HIV/AIDS service non profit organizations throughout Los Angeles County.



“As we mark the 30th year of the epidemic in the United States, AIDS Walk Los Angeles remains a critical – and, in fact, the single largest – source of support for those who rely on APLA’s services,” said Craig E. Thompson, Executive Director of AIDS Project Los Angeles. Mr. Thompson concluded “With their incredible fundraising, AIDS Walk Los Angeles participants are changing lives, powering prevention efforts, and supporting advocacy work to defend the civil rights of all who live with this still-deadly disease.”

Some of the celebrities and notable figures at the event included Drew Carey (“The Price Is Right”), Raquel Castaneda (“The Real L Word”), Barrett Foa (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Dot Marie Jones(“Glee”), television host Carson Kressley (current contestant on “Dancing with the Stars”), Mike Manning (“The Real World DC”), Pauley Perrette (“NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigation Service”), television host Jai Rodriguez, Hal Sparks, and Louis Van Amstel (“Dancing with the Stars”). Jenifer Lewis performed “Dig a Little Deeper,” the song she originated in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” Lewis also closed the Opening Ceremony with her performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and West Hollywood Mayor John J. Duran, who spoke at The AIDS Walk Los Angeles Opening Ceremony about the current HIV/AIDS crisis in Los Angeles and West Hollywood and about the importance of the community’s response.



Other elected officials and special guests in attendance included: United States Representatives Linda Sanchez, Adam Schiff, and Brad Sherman; California State Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez; California State Assemblymembers Steven Bradford, Betsy Butler, Mike Feuer,Ricardo Lara, Bonnie Lowenthal, and Anthony Portantino; Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky; Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul Koretz, Tom LaBonge, Jan Perry,  and Dennis Zine; West Hollywood Mayor Pro Tempore Jeffrey Prang and West Hollywood City Councilmembers John D’Amico and John Heilman; City of Los Angeles Controller Wendy Greuel, Director, Division of HIV & STD Programs, County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Mario J. Pérez, and Commander L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Eric Hamilton.

AIDS Walk Los Angeles is produced by Craig R. Miller from MZA Events.

In another note our Diversity News 3960 from Diversity News Publications AKA Diversity News Team #3960 for AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2011 members walked and raised money for the 27th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles. The amount our team raise is $425.00, but team members will continue to seek donations. Also this fine publication, Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications is a proud sponsor of the 27th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles.

About AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA):  AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest nonprofit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education, and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation.  With more than 25 years of service, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national, and global reach.  For more information, visit http://www.apla.org.

About AIDS Walk Los Angeles:  Since 1985, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has raised more than $72 million for HIV programs and services throughout Los Angeles County, and has grown into one of the largest AIDS fundraising events in the country.  In 2010 alone, 30,000 participants, many of whom were members of 1,600 corporate and community teams, raised nearly $3 million for AIDS Project Los Angeles and 20 other AIDS service organizations.  For more information, visit http://www.aidswalk.net.

About MZA Events: AIDS Walk Los Angeles was founded in 1985 by Craig R. Miller and his organization of activists, MZA Events.  Miller is the AIDS Walk originator and has produced hundreds of public service campaigns and fundraising events, generating more than $350 million for major AIDS organizations throughout the country.  For more information, please visit http://www.mzaevents.com.

About Diversity News Team #3960:
Diversity News team was created and establish by Esteban aka Steven Escobar. The group’s purpose and mission is to give back to the community and to help raise funds for AIDS education, awareness, prevention and medicine research. From 2003 to the present, Diversity News Team #3960 has been recruiting members to walk the 10k (6.2 mile) main event and to raise money for AIDS Walk LA benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles and other non profit organizations in the Los Angeles County. For more information visit http://diversitynewspublications.com/aboutus/contact/diversity-news-3960-team-for-aids-walk-l-a/

Sources: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications,  AIDS Walk Los Angeles, AIDS Project Los Angeles

Photos credit to: Alex Palomares, Stella Gomez, Brian Lowe, AIDS Walk Los Angeles, Diversity News Publications

Editor’s Note: Article first published on Examiner.com visit them at http://www.examiner.com/events-in-los-angeles/27th-annual-aids-walk-los-angeles-raise-3-million-for-the-fight-against-aids