AIDS Walk Portland Raises Over $385,000 to Help Cascade AIDS Project

Bridget Bassett at Pioneer Courthouse Square for the Aids Walk Portland 2013.

Portland, September 22^rd, 2013. More than 10,000 people marked the 27th anniversary of AIDS Walk Portland by pounding the pavement for 2.5 miles and raising a tenth of Cascade AIDS Project’s (CAP) annual budget. (photo credit, Digital Reality Portland) Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici addressed the crowd at the opening ceremony in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Cascade AIDS Project, AIDS Walk 2013 with 10,000 in the square

Female impersonator Cassie Nova added sparkle to the walk which started at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Andrew Shayde was one of the top fundraisers. He’s joined at the square by and Chris Ritchey.

Bekah Telew and Daniel Ryan Shor at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

At the AIDS Walk 2013 supporters were remembering loved ones

CAP hoped to raise over $450,000 at this year’s event which was still less than the 2012 total. CAP will continue to accept donations. You can donate by clicking this link.

All money raised goes to support CAP’s efforts to prevent new HIV infections, care for people affected or infected by HIV/AIDS, educate communities to eliminate stigma and shame and advocate for immediate action in combating the pandemic.

“We are thrilled for this year’s walk,” said Peter Parisot, Development Director for Cascade AIDS Project. “CAP and its partners have been raising funds to fight HIV/AIDS for almost 30 years now. Though the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS have changed, the need for our services has not. There are still over 50,000 new HIV infections in the U.S every year and with more than one million Americans infected. We can’t afford not to take action.”
Of the estimated 7,000 people living with HIV in Oregon – twenty percent (20%) do not know they are HIV positive. AIDS Walk Portland raises critical funds to increase awareness of the disease and support those living with the virus. Practicing safe sex (using a condom), knowing your HIV status, and getting access to housing and health care if HIV positive are the most effective methods for preventing and treating the disease. CAP will use money raised by the walk to fund program areas including housing and support services, education and prevention, free HIV testing, and connecting people to healthcare.

Sponsors for the 2013 AIDS Walk Portland include Presenting Sponsor, Chevron; Advocacy Sponsors: Oregon Health and Sciences University and Macy’s; Gold Level Sponsors Genetech, Hobo’s, Nike, and PQ Monthly; Silver Sponsors: Fred Meyer’s, FamilyCare Health Plans, Departure, Hotel Monaco, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, NW Natural, Wells Fargo, and The Standard; Hydration Sponsors: Legacy Health System, Pfizer, Providence Health and Services, and Complete Clothing. There are several media sponsors including Clear Channel Outdoor, El Hispanic, Kink FM, Live 95.5 Just Out, Alpha Broadcasting, the Oregonian, and TriMet.

About Cascade AIDS Project:
Incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is the oldest and largest AIDS Service Organization in Oregon and Southwest Washington. CAP’s mission is to prevent HIV infections, support and empower people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and eliminate HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
Last year, more than 80% of CAP’s $5.9 million budget went directly to programs serving the agency’s mission, earning Charity Navigator’s top rating. CAP’s programs serve the broad and diverse set of communities touched by HIV—from teens, Latinos, the gay community, and families living with HIV to the thousands of individuals throughout the state who seek education each year through the Oregon HIV/STD Hotline. All in all, last year CAP provided HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to nearly 15,000 people and coordinated wrap-around support services for 1,680 people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS in the fivecounty Portland metropolitan area.

Top 5 Fundraisers for 2013 Walk
Alazar Manning	$ 10,245.00
Andrew Shayde	$ 6,100.00
James Lindquist	$ 5,700.40
Daniel Borgen	$ 5,621.00
Robert Goman	$ 4,053.18

Top 5 Teams for the walk
The Wild Wild Kingdom	$52,095.00
A-Team	$10,595.00
Silverado- Bar Challenge	$9,120.04
CAP Volunteers: Passion Into Action	$8,855.00
Our House	$8,331.90

CAP’s History: Founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1985, Cascade AIDS Project is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Before 1983, two main organizations provided HIV-related services to the Portland area community: CHESS (Community Health and Essential Support Services), who provided one-on-one emotional support, and Cascade AIDS Project (CAP), who provided education to gay/bisexual men. Their merger in 1983 consolidated HIV-related services and prevented competition for very limited resources. The new CAP was a barebones organization, consisting of an executive director and a PAL program coordinator. These two staff members were assisted by volunteers and a 21-member volunteer board of directors. Under the first executive director of the new CAP, services expanded to include a volunteer-operated Speakers Bureau, a Client Services Program, and the Oregon AIDS Hotline (a joint venture between CAP and the Oregon State Health Division). The total agency budget was less than $100,000.

In 1985, CAP was legally incorporated, and in 1986 we received our 501(c)3 designation. CAP became a strong voice in the community for HIV education, prevention and service issues.

In 1986, “From All Walks of Life” became the first pledge walk to benefit AIDS care and education in Portland. The “AIDS Walk” fundraiser has become an annual event that draws thousands of participants, community recognition and support.

In 1989, CAP created the “Art Auction,” an auction of artwork by local and well-known artists, with all proceeds raised helping to support the work of Cascade AIDS Project and assist people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

In 1991, after the inception of the Ryan White CARE Act (RWCA), CAP received its first funds to provide HIV non-medical services to clients. After establishing a contract with Multnomah County to provide prevention and wellness services in 1992, CAP launched a new prevention campaign.

CAP has grown considerably since its beginning, from a 2 person staff to over 60, from a budget of $100,000 to over $6 million. CAP operates multiple programs from its main service site and receives support from over 600 volunteers. It has always been an organization that depends heavily on volunteers. This is true now more than ever, as CAP expands services to meet growing needs in the community.

Cascade AIDS Project helps people put their lives back together; to secure housing, find essential medical care and deal with the countless issues that make the difference between giving up or getting up and going on. With HIV and AIDS, the huge emotional and financial burden to all affected by it can be staggering. Some people lose their jobs, their housing, their friends and family and any means of support. Imagine what it must be like for someone who suddenly finds they are without the essentials we so often take for granted. Shelter, life skills training, and emotional support; these are what CAP provides.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.