Ft Lauderdale Aids Walk 2008

The sky was blue, the temperatures were comfortable and the humidity was low. It was a perfect South Florida day and a perfect day for the community to come out in force and participate in the Florida AIDS Walk, on Sunday, April 27th.

An estimated over four-thousand walkers from over one-hundred businesses and non-profit organizations, gay and straight alike, showed up early in the morning at Huizenga Plaza in downtown Ft. Lauderdale with one goal: to help put an end to new HIV infections and to provide care for people who are now living with HIV/AIDS. Miami-Dade County leads the nation in new HIV infections; Broward County comes in a close second. There are currently a total of over 84,000 Floridians living with the HIV virus.
After over 20 years since the discovery of HIV/AIDS, we should be winning the battle against the infection. The spread of new infections has skyrocketed. The true enemy is not only the virus but also complacency, misconception, inaction and silence. Because of life-saving medical advances over the recent years, the younger generation doesn't know or accept the reality that the HIV infection is a serious with lifelong consequences until it's too late.

The route took the participants through downtown Ft. Lauderdale to the beach and back for a total of 6.2 miles. On hand to welcome and encourage the walkers were comedian Mario Cantone and actor Blair Underwood.

Earlier in the week, pre-event parties were held at Christopher's Nightclub, Sidelines Sports Bar, Georgie's Alibi and Bill's Filling Station.

Last year's AIDS Walk raised over $450,000, however this year, only $309,000 with a goal of $400,000 — 77% of the goal for the year. The team that brought in the most money with donations were “The Underdogs”, a volunteer gay team from Fort Lauderdale with donations totaling over $21,000.