First Appeared Tuesday, 15 July '08

Final Days to Raise Funds for AIDS Walk San Francisco

UCSF teams are in the final week of rallying the campus community to do what it can to support HIV/AIDS research and treatment.

But time is running out to raise funds in AIDS Walk San Francisco, which is scheduled for this Sunday, July 20, in Golden Gate Park.

AIDS Walk San Francisco is a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) walkathon that benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, in addition to several other local AIDS service organizations, including the UCSF AIDS Health Project and the Lesbian Health & Research Center at UCSF.

As of Monday afternoon, UCSF’s eight teams have raised nearly $22,000, but that is far short of the total $61,150 raised last year. Event organizers think it may be the weak economy – coupled with rising prices for everything from gas to bread – that has people pinching pennies.

“We’re hoping that during this final week before the AIDS Walk, more members of the UCSF community will contribute to this worthy cause,” says Lydia Derugin, director of administration and finance for University Advancement and Planning.

Derugin, along with a few other members of the UCSF AIDS Walk Steering Committee, will be hosting a benefit bake sale beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, at Laurel Heights. A table with cookies, muffins, pastries and other baked goods will be set up on the second floor outside the View Cafe at Laurel Heights. Those who want something sweet to eat while donating to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation are encouraged to stop by and spend a little cash.

The team that raises the most money will win the UCSF AIDS Walk Trophy, the bronzed New Balance running shoe formerly worn by Chancellor Mike Bishop, MD.

The individual who raises the most money will win a new MacBook laptop computer, generously donated by Financial and Administrative Services. Other prizes, such as two iPods, Macy’s and Best Buy gift cards, will be awarded via a raffle among all walkers.

Presenting Jon Giacomi of CPFM with a new MacBook computer for raising the most money in AIDS Walk San Francisco last year are Adrian Sooy of Financial and Administrative Services and Keith Braxton of Campus Life Services.

Last year, Jon Giacomi, director of resource planning and management for Capital Programs and Facilities Management (CPFM), raised the most money to win the MacBook computer, donated by Campus Life Services and Financial and Administrative Services.

AIDS Walk San Francisco organizers are also offering incentives to boost fundraising efforts. For every $500 a team raises between July 11 and Friday, July 18, the name of the team will be entered into a drawing to win a six-person wine-tasting excursion at Arger-Martucci Vineyards. The winning team will have an opportunity to taste current releases of award-winning wines while enjoying the poolside vineyard setting in the heart of beautiful Napa Valley. The tasting will include a cheese pairing with fresh fruit and bread.

Event Details

Here are more details for walkers and volunteers on the day of the walk:

• • Team photo: This year, the UCSF coalition team is scheduled to have a group picture taken on Hippie Hill in Sharon Meadow at 10:05 a.m. UCSF team members should convene at the bottom of the hill, located to the right of the Star Walker Tent, at that time.
• • Parking: Parking for AIDS Walk participants will be available in the UCSF garage, beginning at 7 a.m., for a flat $5 fee.
• • T-shirts: UCSF T-shirts emblazoned with the mission advancing health worldwide™ will be distributed to all walkers and volunteers at the UCSF team meeting station.
• • Lunch: Lunch will be catered by A.G. Ferrari Foods, which will provide box lunches, including sandwiches, fruit and a beverage. Lunch will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the UCSF team meeting station.

Related Links:

UCSF Teams to Compete for Novel Trophy in AIDS Walk San Francisco
UCSF Today, June 20, 2008