Over $91,500 raised in 10th
Annual Pierce County AIDS Walk!!!
This year’s Walk was unique in many ways. Not only did it mark 10 years of people taking a stand in the fight against AIDS in Pierce County, but it also brought together a community of concerned and committed individuals as a testament to the faith, unity, and hope in each of us as we face this difficult time as a nation.
Even in the wake of the tragedy of September 11th, an outpouring of support was demonstrated by individuals, teams, and sponsors. While we struggled to find peace and balance in light of the tragedy that has occurred, we also sought balance in remembering that while our thoughts, energy, contributions, and prayers go out to those on the East Coast, there are still many people here in our own community—our neighbors, family members, and friends—who need our ongoing support as they live with HIV/AIDS.
The top fundraiser this year was PCAF's office manager, Margie Abels, who raised over $3,200 in memory of her brother, Garth Wall, who died of AIDS in 1991. The top team was the "Steamrollers,” a team of family and friends led by Lita Nomellini of Lakewood, which raised a whopping $4,614 and was the winning team for two years in a row!
Numerous checks came in from supporters on the East Coast: New York, DC, and outlying areas. Even the American Red Cross, in the midst of an intensive relief campaign, had a Walk team and raised $450. Walk participants filled a mural with messages of hope and support. The mural will accompany the money collected at the Walk in the Relief Fund donation cans and will be sent to the Custodial Workers Benefit Fund and the Firefighters Widow and Children’s Fund in New York.
Money raised in the Walk directly benefits
the programs and services of the Pierce County AIDS Foundation.
In addition, 25% of the net proceeds from the Walk are distributed in the
form of grants to local organizations which provide HIV/AIDS programs.
This year, grants will be made to AIDS Housing Association of Tacoma,
Brother to Brother Tacoma, New DAY: Diaz Art for Youth, Bridges: A Center for
Grieving Children, REACH Ministries, Community Health Care, Tacoma Urban League,
and Planned Parenthood Teen Council.
The Walk would not have been possible without the generous support of our
Sponsors, many of whom have supported the Walk year after year.
We are grateful to the following corporate sponsors of the 10th Annual AIDS Walk:
Group Health Cooperative
CLICK! Network
The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
Queen Anne Thriftway
MultiCare
The News Tribune
First Community Bank
Key Bank
US Bank
Donation Depot
AK Media
Tacoma Reporter
KPLU 88.5 NPR
J Street Coffee Company
Pure Water
Victory Music
Wells Fargo
Ben Bridge Jewelers
Agrilink Foods
Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim
Post Industrial Press.
Thanks also to the following businesses and organizations who contributed to the Walk:
Alexandar School of Massage
All Occasions Decorating
American Medical Response
Bearheart Inn Bed & Breakfast
Budget Rentals
Broadway Grill
Carpenters Union Local 470
Christ Episcopal Church
Dilettante Chocolates
Downing School
Gonyea Boys and Girls Club
Inn at Gig Harbor
Jillian's Billiard Club
Landmark Convention Center
Metro Parks
New DAY Diaz Art for Youth
Old Country Buffet
Overall Laundry Services
Pacific Northwest Shop
Pepsi Bottling Company
Puyallup Hallmark
Storm Reyes and Eagle Lodge Circle
Tacoma Art Museum
Tacoma Farmer's Market
Y-Knot Promotions
YWCA
It’s not too late to send in your pledges. Contributions of any amount are welcome and can be sent to PCAF at 625 Commerce St. #10, Tacoma WA 98402.