Colorado AIDS Project Releases Final Figures for AIDS Walk; Numbers ‘Significantly Better’ Than First Reported

The final tally of the number of walkers and the amount of funds raised by this year's AIDS Walk Colorado is "significantly better" than was reported earlier, according to a press release from the Colorado AIDS Project, the event's sponsor (CAP release, 9/4). The Denver Post reported last week that 7,500 people participated in this year's walk, a 37% decline from last year. The Post also reported that the event was expected to raise less money this year than in previous years (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 8/30). However, the Colorado AIDS Project reports that about 8,900 people participated in the walk and raised an estimated total of $760,000. The final tally represents an 11% decrease from last year's totals of 10,000 walkers and $850,000 in gross funds raised, a trend "consistent with what other AIDS service organizations are seeing throughout the country," according to the Colorado AIDS Project. CAP Executive Director Deirdre Maloney said, "In light of the present economy, the fact that the walk was moved up to August for the first time in 15 years and the increasing public apathy about HIV and AIDS, we are pleased with the walk results." However, she added that the "hard truth is that Colorado AIDS Project will need to make cuts because of this difficult year." Fundraising for the walk, which took place on Aug. 25, will continue through Sept. 20 and participants are encouraged to continue collecting pledges. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Coloradans are affected by HIV/AIDS (Colorado AIDS Project release, 9/4).