BRATTLEBORO — Each year for 27 years, the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont has held a Walk for Life to honor the community's efforts in supporting those living with HIV/AIDS and reducing the risk of HIV transmission.
This year's Walk for Life is Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. Walkers will gather at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden on Main Street for a brief period of remembrance, a symbolic walk on Main Street, and a program of speakers, music, prizes, and a light lunch.
Musician Andy Davis will lead the walk.
Organizers say the 2014 Walk for Life promises to be especially memorable as the community celebrates Shirley Squires, who, in honor of her son, Ron, will have raised more than $250,000 to support the work of the AIDS Project.
The AIDS Project invites individuals, businesses, neighborhoods, clubs, churches, and schools to form teams to raise needed funds for its work.
Teams already registered include the Brattleboro Boys & Girls Club's Keystone Club, Brown Computer Solutions Mac Pack, Guilford Buddies, Karen's Family, Phillip's Team, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Tri-State Gay Men, and YOLO-Live It Well.
Participants walk to remember those who have died from HIV-related illnesses, to call attention to the persistent threat the virus poses to our community, and to honor those who make a difference in this difficult work.
The AIDS Project's board, staff, and volunteers say they have always considered this a special day in the year, and invite the community to consider walking with them.