LOS ANGELES – Led by Wicked Pictures contract star jessica drake, Team Wicked raised $18,000 at the 35th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles on October 20, Wicked revealed today. The total raised placed Team Wicked seventh out of all teams participating in the event.
“I am so proud of Team Wicked and all our supporters and donors who came out in force,” drake said. “We really felt a strong push this year which demonstrated both dedication and determination to raise needed funds for AIDS and HIV medical and other related services.”
“I am thankful to Ken from APLA, who has enabled us to do our very best this year, I’m grateful to Steve and everyone at Wicked Pictures and Wicked Sensual Care for their constant support and encouragement, and I am impressed with the fundraising efforts of Brad Armstrong this year,” drake added. “To each and every person that showed up and did the walk and attended my birthday brunch, thank you. Showing up is one of the best things we can do for one another. My birthday was the greatest.”
Comprised of adult industry members and other supporters, Team Wicked raised nearly twice last year’s total of $10,000. The $18,000 raised this year brings Team Wicked’s fundraising total to $133,000 for the annual AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), in which Team Wicked has now participated for seven consecutive years.
This year’s Team Wicked included drake and Armstrong, along with Kylie Ireland, Jessie Lee, Ashley Manta, Hernando Chavez, Jamye Waxman, Sailor Luna, Jessica Johnson, Charlie Padow, Andy Appleton, Rae Threat, Jo, Natassia Dreams, Lotus Lain, Daniel Metcalf, Adella Curry, and Long Le.
This year’s AIDS Walk Los Angeles drew over 10,000 walkers from a wide variety of organizations and companies, charting a 6.2-mile course in downtown L.A. All proceeds from the event go toward APLA’s health services, which include primary medical care, HIV specialty care, HIV prevention and education programs and other services.
In a press release announcing its fundraising total, Wicked noted that on top of serving as Team Wicked’s captain, drake “also leads the team in fund-raising, ranking among the top ten overall among ten thousand individual walkers.”
Joining drake among the highest-ranking individual fundraisers is director/performer Brad Armstrong, who placed in the top twenty walkers.
“Doing AIDS Walk LA always gives such a great sense of accomplishment and feeling good about doing something important for the community and helping those in need,” Armstrong said. “Over the years, we at Wicked have tried to team up with a number of charities to lend our support, but many of them have unfortunately turned us down citing they can’t be associated with the Adult Industry and decline our ‘Dirty Porn Money.’”
“AIDS Walk LA has been the total opposite,” Armstrong continued. “Their focus is on getting funds to help those in need and building lasting partnerships to make that happen. Over the last seven-plus years, they have embraced Team Wicked and treated us as valued supporters. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Teams and walkers are still able to accept donations through November 15. To contribute and support Team Wicked’s efforts, go to: https://secure.aidswalkla.org/teamwicked.
“I appreciate and am proud of and support jessica’s continued efforts to help raise money through AIDS Walk for APLA and do it on behalf of Wicked,” said Steve Orenstein, owner of Wicked Pictures. “Her tireless work does not go unnoticed. While Brad Armstrong has always been involved in this cause too, this year he stepped up his fundraising as well and we appreciate his efforts. Team Wicked had 18 walkers with over 150 individual donations and came in 7th place, each of which is amazing on their own. We thank all that came out and supported the team as well as those that could not make it and supported financially.”
