The AIDS Project of Southern Vermont will be honoring one its own during its 26th annual Walk for Life on Saturday, May 18.
This year's walk is in honor of Executive Director Susan Bell, who is retiring this fall after 23 years of leadership at the AIDS Project.
Walkers will gather at 10 a.m. at the American Legion, 32 Linden St., for a brief period of remembrance, then a walk up to the Common, down to the Brattleboro Food Co-op, and back to the American Legion for a program of speakers, music, and a light lunch, which starts at noon.
Every year for 26 years, the AIDS Project has held a Walk for Life to honor the community's efforts in supporting those living with HIV/AIDS and reducing the risk of HIV transmission.
Individuals, businesses, neighborhoods, clubs, churches, and schools have formed teams to raise funds for the AIDS Project's work. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers.
Teams that have registered include the Boys and Girls Club Keystone Club, Brown Computer Solutions Brattpack, Guilford Buddies, Karen's Family, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Tri-State Gay Men, and YOLO.
Patrick Brown, owner of Brown Computer Solutions and vice-chair of the AIDS Project's board of directors, said he and his team “are excited to be participating in the Walk for Life and look forward to raising lots of money with the help of our great customers and wonderful family and friends.”
For the board, staff, and volunteers at the AIDS Project, the walk has always been a special day for the organization. Participants walk to remember friends who have died from HIV-related illnesses, to call attention to the persistent threat the virus poses to our community, and to honor those who make a difference in this difficult work.
Founded by volunteers in 1988 as a grassroots group, the AIDS Project fills an important statewide role in making sure that Vermont's fight against HIV/AIDS is strong and effective. Money raised backs support services and programs for people living with HIV/AIDS, and testing and prevention services for community members at increased risk of HIV infection.