New Jersey AIDSWalk Steps Off on May 3

On Sunday, May 3, thousands of people from Atlantic City, Asbury Park, Morristown, Newark and Ridgewood will gather for the New Jersey AIDS Walk, to raise funds for the 35,000 New Jerseyans battling HIV/AIDS.

For over 20 years, AIDSWalks have been hosted by many organizations across the state. In 2010, a consortium of the leading HIV service organizations joined forces to create the first unified, state-wide, New Jersey AIDS Walk. Individual walks are held in each city simultaneously.

With record attendance and beautiful weather, New Jerseyans from a cross-section of socio-economic demographics, joined to fight for a world without AIDS. The New Jersey AIDS Walk ranges from a 5-10k loop, depending on site. It inspires hope for friends and loved ones who are battling this illness. It's a day of fun, relaxation, and giving.

This coordinated effort is designed to raise awareness that AIDS is still a major healthcare issue in our state, as well as raise funds to help support the efforts of the participating HIV/AIDS service organizations. Collaborating organizations of the NJ AIDS Walk provide services that span: diagnosis, treatment, psychological counseling, housing, job education and placement, prevention education, and medical transportation.

The services provided by the not-for-profit organizations supported by the NJ AIDS Walk substantially reduce costs that would be otherwise borne by the taxpayer. Their use of community volunteers and lean, efficient staffs have earned them "best practices" recognition from various governmental agencies and audits.

Last year's AIDS Walk raised $185.650, three times the amount raised in just 2011.

"Each year we garner new partners to join our ranks in the fight against AIDS. These partners have allowed us to consistently increase event revenue, and thus redirect these funds to support people living with HIV/AIDS in New Jersey," write organizers. "We are committed to spending at least 70% of our revenue directly on AIDS program and facility expenses, keeping administrative and marketing expenses to a strict minimum."

In fiscal year 2014, we are proud to report that over 75% of all income was directly distributed to AIDS Service Organizations throughout the state of New Jersey. We cannot afford to let donor dollars cross state lines to support other walks when so many residents of New Jersey need help.
This year's sponsors include Janssen Therapeutics, Merck and Walgreens.