LOS ANGELES, CA – The world’s first AIDS Walk was developed by Craig R. Miller in 1984, during the height of the AIDS epidemic in the United States. Seeing the need for action in response to the public health emergency, Miller combined grassroots activism with fundraising and other campaign strategies to raise awareness — as well as urgently needed funds — for the fight against AIDS.
Miller brought his idea to the then-fledgling AIDS service organization, AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), who hired the young activist to produce this new event. Miller and APLA expected to draw a crowd of 1,000 supporters and raise $100,000 for this very first AIDS Walk — but on July 28, 1985, 4,500 people assembled at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles and raised an astonishing $673,000. Since 1985, AIDS Walk Los Angeles has drawn over a half-million participants who have collectively raised more than $72 million for APLA.
This weekend on Sunday, October 21, join Wicked Pictures’ contract performer jessica drake and Team WICKED to raise funds for this year’s AIDS Walk Los Angeles.
Comprised of adult stars, sex workers, advocates and members of the adult industry, Team WICKED is a mainstay at the event, which will be held this year at 10 a.m. at Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles.
“This time of year brings a lot of amazingly generous people who come out in support of AIDS Walk and Team WICKED, so I’m asking everyone to join us once again in this great cause,” drake said.
“We are a few days away from AIDS Walk Los Angeles, and we’re in the final stretch to raise even more money for HIV/AIDS prevention, research and support for those living with HIV. APLA and AIDS WALK are amazing organizations, and I am honored to show up and support them!” she added.
Those who are interested in participating may email press@WickedPictures.com.
So far this year, Team WICKED is the 12th highest fundraising team participating. drake herself has raised more than $3,000 for the event.
“jessica has done a terrific job leading the team and helping raise more than $100,000 over the years so we hope everyone will support Team WICKED and help make a difference in the lives of those impacted by AIDS and HIV,” said Steve Orenstein, owner of Wicked Pictures.
If you are in LA this weekend, do something nice for humanity and lend a hand.
