$230K Raised During AIDS Walk Arizona 2022 In Tempe

TEMPE, AZ —Organizers of the Aunt Rita's Foundation AIDS Walk Arizona 2022 — which included a 5K run — announced that the March 19 event in Tempe raised more than $230,000, surpassing the walk's fundraising goal.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Aunt Rita's Foundation's 13 community partner agencies, which provide critical HIV services including: testing, treatment, behavioral health, housing and prevention, among other services.

Since Aunt Rita's Foundation began in 1988, it has raised millions of dollars for HIV Programs. The organization prides itself on being the "connector to the HIV community," according to Aunt Rita's Foundation literature.

AIDS Walk Arizona 2022 was the first in-person walk held since 2020 and drew nearly 2,000 people to Tempe Beach Park. Organizers said the occasion raised both money and awareness.

"Forty years after first discovering the virus, the battle against HIV/AIDS is not over," said Aunt Rita's Foundation Executive Director Jimmy Thomason. "We've made tremendous progress but our commitment to ensuring ongoing awareness, education, prevention and resources is as strong as ever. The money raised at AIDS Walk, and the incredible support we experienced, will go a long way in continuing our mission and bringing our vision to light."

AIDS Walk Arizona 2022 was presented by CAN Community Health, a national organization that is dedicated to improving lives in the community and expanding the availability and accessibility of PrEP, a one-pill-a-day medication that reduces the risk of getting HIV by more than 99 percent.

Additional sponsors included Walgreens, which raised $27,000 through its annual wristband campaign, and Gilead, featuring its product Biktarvy.

The Kids for the Cause youth event was sponsored by Sonora Quest Laboratories, while the Paws for the Cause walk-with-your-dog event was sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka.