AIDS Delaware holds 17th annual 5K walk

2:05 p.m., Aug. 13, 2003--On Sunday, Sept. 28, AIDS Delaware will hold its annual 5K walk to raise funds for Delawareans living with HIV and AIDS. Now into its 17th year, the walk takes place in Wilmington’s Rockford Park, rain or shine.

The event begins at noon, with music, family activities and a food festival that features samplings from the area’s finest caterers and restaurants. Three raffle drawings for more than 40 prizes will take place from12:30-1:30 p.m., and a pre-walk address will set the stage for the 2 p.m. step off.

Individuals can walk solo or in teams, but teams are strongly encouraged. Although the walk and pre-walk food festival are free, pledges also are encouraged, because they help fund services offered by AIDS Delaware. This year’s prizes for pledges raised include two round-trip US Airways tickets to anywhere in North America, a Gateway notebook personal computer, a digital camera and an MP3 player. In addition, every $50 raised in pledges entitles the pledge-holder to one raffle ticket.

The 5K (3.1 mile) course is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, and parking is free. Walkers may register up to 15 minutes before the 2 p.m. step off. A 4:30 p.m. ecumenical service at the Cathedral of St. John in Wilmington is open to all participants and will conclude the day’s events.

AIDS Delaware began in 1984 as a grassroots “buddy” program that partnered AIDS and HIV-infected individuals with volunteer buddies. The nonprofit organization now offers a complete range of AIDS-related services, including counseling, testing, education and outreach programs.

To register or to learn more about the Bristol Myers Squibb 2003 17th annual Delaware AIDS Walk, call Stephanie Grant at 652-6776. For information on AIDS Delaware, visit [www.aidsdelaware.org].

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