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AIDS Walk Portland Raises Over $350,000 to Help Cascade AIDS Project

Charla Chamberlain ‏ @blackbird1320 11h11 hours ago More Here we go! @MealsWheelsPpl We will work to de stigmatize our seniors! #AIDSWALKPORTLAND @CascadeAIDS

Portland, OR. AIDS Walk Portland drew thousands to the Fields Neighborhood Park, in the Pearl District. Meals on Wheels People joined many organizations participating in the September 8th walk. For over 30 years, supporters have walked to celebrate life, reduce HIV stigma, and remember those lost to HIV.

Cascade AIDS Project spearheads the event, it’s one of the largest and most visible AIDS fundraising events in the Pacific Northwest.

The 2.5 mile walk through downtown Portland draws over 3,000 participants each year. Walkers have raised over $350,352 of their $400,000 goal so far this year. You can still donate here.

Here’s a list of the top fundraisers for AIDS Walk Portland 2018:

TOP 15 PARTICIPANTS

1. Daniel Borgen $12,611

2. Mark Coleman$10,035

3. Paul Hempel$7,030

4. Kimberly Russell$5,355

5. Mathew Boudreaux$4,025

TOP 15 TEAMS

1. Walk Of Fame $19,240

2. New Seasons Market $13,141

3. Team Textile $11,938

4. CAP HouSS Cats! $11,223

5. Positive Force NW $10,426

According to Aacsace Aids, an estimated 1.1 million Americans currently live with HIV, with one in seven not knowing they carry the virus. In Oregon over 7,000 individuals are HIV-positive, with over nearly 70% of them living in the Portland metropolitan area.

Providence Oregon was one of the sponsors.

From Cascade AIDS Project:

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.

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.