AIDS Walk Las Vegas Sets Record

More than 8,000 participants raised over $401,000 during this year's AIDS Walk Las Vegas. The event set a new record for individual donations that will help Aid for AIDS of Nevada provide direct service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs, and community outreach.

“We are thrilled that the community not only donated to the event, but also came out in over-whelming support of the cause,” said Jennifer Morss, executive director of AFAN. “It was breathtaking to stand on the stage and see the community support AFAN regardless of the current economic situation.”



During the last six months, AFAN has seen a continued rise in individual support of their agency. Although many corporate sponsors were unable to support the AIDS Walk this year, individual participants and 235 teams worked harder than ever.

The AIDS Walk’s top fundraiser, Judith Domingo-Vicerra, raised $16,415 in support of the cause. Her team raised $17,475, making it the second highest team fundraiser this year. Team Jubilee, Team Tech Results, and Team Winos also raised more than $7,000.

Individual donations was not the only record set at AIDS Walk Las Vegas. Penn & Teller, which hosted their popular Penn & Teller Challenge, set a personal team challenge record by raising $61,292.32.

Penn & Teller matched dollar for dollar of the amount raised, bringing their total to $122,584.64 WOW!

In addition to the astounding support of the AIDS Walk, AFAN used the opportunity to announce the date and venue of the 23rd Annual Black & White Party, August 22 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Baskow & Associates will also be a major sponsor of the event, promising new and exciting entertainment for a whole new feel. For more information about the Black & White Party, e-mail info(at)afanlv.org for more information.

AFAN Hopes To Set Record At AIDS Walk

Join The AIDS Walk:
This Sunday, April 19, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) will host its 19th Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas, in downtown Las Vegas at World Market Center. It is already shaping up to the most fun and entertaining event in the organization's history. Here are some highlights:

Grand Marshals:
Penn & Teller are hosting the Penn & Teller Challenge. They will lead the AIDS Walk and match every dollar that their team members raise. Last year, the Penn & Teller Challenge raised more than $100,000. You can learn more about them in this article.

Celebrity Co-Hosts:
In addition to Penn & Teller, Chris Saldaña from Channel 8 Eyewitness News and Duncan Payton from Smooth Jazz 105.7 THE OASIS, Mornings on AREA 107.9, and CEO of StudioOUT.com will lend their support.

Main Stage Entertainment:
We've lined up some of the best entertainers to keep everyone motivated. Performers include Singer/Songwriter Jake Walden, music provided by DJ Axis, and the Las Vegas J.A.C.L. Kaminari Tako (Japanese Drummers). You can catch a music video from Jake Walden here.

Block Party Treats:
There are dozens of vendors who are supporting AIDS Walk Las Vegas, including Vitamin Water, Tropical Smoothie, Trader Joe’s, Samurai Sam’s, and Jason’s Deli.

Other Fun Stuff:
The newest attraction this year was planned especially for our tiniest walkers. There will be a special play area with bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides, snow cones, cotton candy, and popcorn.

Pets Are Welcome:
For walkers looking for a four-legged friend, The Animal Foundation will join the walk and bring 25 loveable dogs that need good homes.

Even More Entertainment:
As always, the walk route is a montage of local bands, artists, and street performers for the enjoyment of the 7,000+ walkers. Some of the entertainers include: I am the Thief, Kid Meets Cougar, Shadow Wood Avenue, Danger Boner, Smith & Wesson Blues Project, DJ Aurojin, and the Luxor Fantasy Girls.

With this much planned, the AIDS Walk is the only place to be on Sun., April 19. Come join us. The event starts at 10:30 a.m.

Dondero Elementary Walks For AIDS

For the second consecutive year, Dondero Elementary School has been one of the top fundraising teams for AIDS Walk Las Vegas. Last year, the team raised more than $3,000. This year, they have already raised $2,361.17.

Their hard work and effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. Penn & Teller asked to match whatever Dondero Elementary School raises. The team is excited to learn the news, giving them inspiration to raise even more.

At the same time, Keith Frank, team captain and a fourth grade teacher at Dondero Elementary School, puts a human face on their efforts. For him, it isn't just about the money raised. It's about awareness and protecting his students.

Every year, he spends several months educating his class about HIV/AIDS. This includes age appropriate books and in-class discussions. He wants all of them to learn how to protect themselves from the disease while dismantling the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. AFAN staff members are also invited to meet the students in order to build awareness during an ice cream party. More than 150 students participate.

According to Frank, this year was especially impactful. When Jared Hafen, client services supervisor at AFAN, arrived, he asked that all of the students write down the four most important things in their lives — whether it be family members, pets, friends, etc.

“It is so encouraging to have elementary school kids ask questions about HIV,” said Hafen. “It gives me hope that with teachers like Mr. Frank we will be able to decrease the infection rate of HIV/AIDS in young adults.”

Then, after the students had finished writing down their lists, Hafen told the class his is HIV positive. And slowly, he walked around the room and took away every list that revealed who and what where most important to the students.

That's how HIV/AIDS changes your life, he said. It takes away everything you know about life, and your relationships with family members and friends will never be the same.

If you would Like to help Dondero Elementary in support of the AIDS Walk, please visit the AFAN website.

Look Who's Walking for AIDS: Jake Walden

Singer/songwriter Jake Walden is confirmed to perform at AIDS Walk Las Vegas on April 19 for Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN).

Jake released his first album, “Alive and Screaming,” last year and was featured in The Advocate’s 2008 music issue as “one to watch.” He is kicking off the second leg of his tour, “Rock the Folk OUT,” the week following the AIDS Walk. He will also be performing at the Beauty Bar in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 9.

Jake has performed at Hotel Café in Los Angeles, The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall in New York City, and many other venues. His first video, “For Someone,” debuted on Logo’s “NewNowNext” and VH1.com. Jake is currently working on his second album.

Jake is an avid supporter of HIV/AIDS prevention education and the pursuit of a cure. He joins AFAN to walk in support of lives lost and for those who continue to fight everyday. He will walk until there is a cure.

Jake will also perform on the MORE Show (Las Vegas, Channel 5) on Wednesday, April 15. To find out more about Jake Walden please visit Jake Walden Music or catch him on MySpace.

Everyone Walks, Especially Penn & Teller

For the seventh consecutive year, Penn & Teller are the Grand Marshals for AIDS Walk Las Vegas. Right on. This dynamic duo never shy away from a crisis.

Instead, they raise the stakes by challenging the community to get involved and give back. For the seventh consecutive year, Penn & Teller are the Grand Marshals for AIDS Walk Las Vegas. They've also set a fundraising goal of $50,000 — higher than any other year. And, they've promised to match whatever their team raises. So "put your money where your mouth is."

In addition to matching funds, they will also reward your efforts with prizes.

Raise $500.00+ And Get It All
Four complimentary Penn & Teller show tickets for a special VIP Night at the Penn & Teller show. Includes:

• Backstage meet 'n greet
• Private magic lesson and photos
• Autographed Souvenir Packet
• Official Penn & Teller Challenge Walk T-shirt
• Access into the Penn & Teller VIP Tent on Event Day
• Accompany Penn & Teller on their walk at the 2009 AIDS Walk Las Vegas
• Backstage meet 'n greet reception will be held on one night for all qualifying walkers at the Penn & Teller show at The Rio

Raise $250 And Remember It
Four complimentary tickets to see Penn & Teller live at The Rio. Includes:

• Autographed Souvenir Packet
• Official Penn & Teller Challenge Walk T-shirt
• Access into the Penn & Teller VIP Tent on Event Day
• Accompany Penn & Teller on their walk at the 2009 AIDS Walk Las Vegas

Raise $100 And Meet The Men
Two complimentary tickets to see Penn & Teller live at The Rio. Includes:

• Autographed Souvenir Packet
• Official Penn & Teller Challenge Walk T-shirt
• Access into the Penn & Teller VIP Tent on Event Day
• Accompany Penn & Teller on their walk at the 2009 AIDS Walk Las Vegas

Raise $50 And Have Fun
Two complimentary tickets to see Penn & Teller live at The Rio. Includes:

• Official Penn & Teller Challenge Walk T-shirt
• Access into the Penn & Teller VIP Tent on Event Day
• Accompany Penn & Teller on their walk at the 2009 AIDS Walk Las Vegas

You can join the Penn & Teller Challenge and by visiting afanlv.org and registering for the AIDS Walk. After all, EVERYONE WALKS, but not everyone has a chance to walk with Penn & Teller!

AIDS Walk Added To BloggersUnite.org

BloggersUnite.org, a new social network dedicated to providing nonprofit organizations exposure to bloggers and social networkers who want to do good, selected AIDS Walk Las Vegas — Everyone Walks! as one of ten local nonprofit events to be featured along with 27 other international events.

Being listed on the network exposes the walk to hundreds and thousands of bloggers and social networkers, encouraging them to help raise awareness and raise funds for the event. You can help too.

By joining BloggersUnite.org and then subscribing to the event, participants will be able to add graphic badges to their Web sites, blogs, and some social network profile pages that link back to the event page. The event page at Bloggers Unite provides supporters with various resources and a direct link to the AIDS Walk donation page. Here is an example:



In the days ahead, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) will be adding resources for bloggers and social network members, including suggested topic backgrounders and fact sheets. If you live in Las Vegas and have a Web site, blog, or social network profile, we would be grateful if you could help us get the word out.

Last year, the AIDS Walk included more than 250 corporate and community teams and 7,000 walkers who raised more than $550,000. This year, while we are confident the event will be a success, we have only raised $38,785 with the event only six weeks away. We need to do better.

AIDS Walk is vital for AFAN to continue serving more than 3,000 people afflicted with HIV or AIDS in Southern Nevada. These critical funds also help AFAN promote prevention campaigns, which is especially important as young adults, ages 18-24, currently represent more than half of all new AIDS cases.

Bloggers Unite is no stranger to AFAN's cause. Prior to becoming a standalone social network, it was a BlogCatalog.com initiative that encouraged bloggers to do good by raising awareness for underserved social awareness campaigns.

Last December, BlogCatalog teamed up with AIDS.gov and NIDA.gov to promote World AIDS Day. The campaign was an important component in generating more than 15,000 news stories and 250,000 blog posts that reached more than 62.5 million readers. According to AIDS.gov, its Web site traffic more than doubled and many new visitors have continued to participate on its site.

As an event that touches more than 5,000 people locally and more than 1.1 million people in the United States, we know every story, post, social network mention, participant, and contributor makes a tremendous difference. Your support is appreciated.

Everyone Will Walk On April 19

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) has led the AIDS Walk for over 18 years. It represents one of the largest fundraising and awareness opportunities in Nevada. We encourage you to find out more about the AIDS Walk Las Vegas and register.

Last year, more than 7,000 people walked, including 250 corporate and community teams such as MGM Mirage, Macy’s, Focus Property Group, M.A.C Cosmetics, UNLV, Wells Fargo, and Penn & Teller. Together, they raised more than $550,000.

With your support, we can do better. We will walk until that point in time when AFAN is no longer effective, our services are no longer needed, and our purpose is no longer essential to the solution. When you visit the registration page, please take a moment to look at what our top sponsors have done so far.