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AIDS Walk Portland 2012 Breaks Records
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Mayor Sam Adams addresses the 10,000 + in attendance.
Photo by Marty Davis
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Cascade AIDS Project is excited to announce a record in funds raised by the 26th annual AIDS Walk Portland. Over $525,000 was raised, $75,000 more than CAP's stated goal. CAP will use these funds to support activities like HIV testing, community education and services for families and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. It is estimated that over 10,000 walkers joined in the fight against HIV/AIDS during this year's walk.
More than 7,000 people are living with HIV in Oregon, 20% of whom don't know they are HIV positive. AIDS Walk Portland raises critical funds to support those living with the virus and those at risk of infection.
Beyond breaking the half-million mark for the first time, AIDS Walk Portland also drew a record number of elected officials participating in the event. Congresswoman Susanne Bonamici addressed a crowd of top fundraisers and sponsors during an exclusive breakfast at Departure atop The Nines Hotel. Governor John Kitzhaber addressed the crowd from the main stage in Pioneer Courthouse Square. His comments tied together the important work of health reform in Oregon with the goal of ending the HIV epidemic. He also recognized the vaccine research being conducted at OHSU.
Mayor Sam Adams closed the comments by elected officials with praise for the leadership of Michael Kaplan and the Board at CAP. Other elected officials present on stage to show support included: Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen; State Senators Ginny Burdick and Jackie Dingfelder; State Representatives Alissa Keny-Guyer and Mary Nolan; Portland City Commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz; and Multnomah County Commissioners Judy Shiprack, Loretta Smith & Diane McKeel.
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E-News: Special Edition
AIDS Walk Portland | 
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Change in Executive Leadership at CAP
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 | | Michael Kaplan |
CAP Executive Director, Michael Kaplan, has recently announced his decision to accept the position of President and CEO of AIDS United, a national nonprofit headquartered in Washington, DC committed to ending the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. Michael's last day at CAP will be November 15, 2012.Jackie Yerby, CAP's Board Chair said, "With the announcement last week of Michael's departure and on the heels of a very successful AIDS Walk Portland, the Board feels well-positioned to guide CAP through the next transition as we begin an Executive Search. CAP is a very strong organization. We have a top-notch team of Directors as well as a group of staff and volunteers who are deeply committed to CAP's mission."
While the Board of Directors at CAP intends to launch a thorough national search, they recognize a good process takes time. As such, and based on unanimous feedback from the CAP Staff Directors and with enthusiasm from the Board's Executive Committee, CAP will appoint Mary Marshall as Interim Executive Director. Mary currently serves as the Director of Finance & Operations and has been with CAP since February of 2006.
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Top Fundraisers
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 | | Alazar Manning. Photo by Nick Dawes |
It's happened again! For the third year in a row, 12-year-old Alazar Manning is the top Youth Fundraiser for AIDS Walk Portland, with $8,997 raised. On his heels is top Adult Fundraiser, Denny Richard, who raised $8,560.
Alazar's zeal for spreading the word about HIV and raising funds to support Cascade AIDS Project's mission comes from his background. Alazar was born in Ethiopia and came to the United States six years ago. When he discovered HIV had affected his family, he began learning about the virus. Knowledge and compassion turned practical: he became determined to raise money to prevent the further spread of HIV.
New to Portland, this was Denny's first year taking part in AIDS Walk. He wasted no time putting together the fourth top-earning team, the Lumberjacks, and even scored an $8,000 donation from Stimson Lumber with co-worker Greg Baumgardner.
 | | Denny Richard. Photo by Marty Davis |
Alazar and Denny's hard work will pay off as the funds they raised will be used for HIV testing and prevention education; helping find housing and jobs for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS; programs such as Camp Starlight, a week-long, sleep-away camp for kids affected and infected by HIV/AIDS; and much more.
Way to go, Alazar and Denny!
To be considered for prizes, the deadline for turning in donations is Sept 28th at 12-midnight. We will announce the winners on Oct. 2nd over facebook and email. Prizes will be presented to winners at a party slated to occur Sunday, Oct. 14th at a location yet to be announced. We are still entering donations, believe it or not!
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Bar Challenge
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Once again, the local LGBT bars in Portland have stepped up to the challenge of raising money to help fight HIV/AIDS. Although the challenge isn't officially over until Sept. 28, at press time the top three bars are:
1) Hobos, with $10,387.00
2) Silverado, with $9,112.51
3) Boxxes/Fish Grotto, with $6,149.00
Historically, the gay bars were the nexus of the community response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, holding fundraisers, vigils and wakes for those affected early on. Our local bars continue this effort annually by raising money in creative ways -- from fashion shows to pie tossing contests and recruiting team members from their sea of patrons. Hats-off to all of the Bars who participated!
 | | Team Hobo's. Photo by AJ Meeker |
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Top Fundraising Teams
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 | | The League of Legends team. Photo by AJ Meeker |
With over $35,000 raised, a new Legend was spawned at this year's AIDS Walk -- The League of Legends! This group of over 150 legends, led by Big Foot and Little Red Riding Hood, raised a record amount of money with the largest team ever! Followed closely by Team Nike with just over $20,000 and Positive Force Northwest (a team of HIV positive walkers) at $18,670. The fourth and fifth place teams are new to the walk -- the Lumber Jacks with $18,574.00 headed by Denny Richard, an employee at Stimson Timber (also the highest fundraiser for an adult at $8,560) and Team OnPoint Credit Union with $11,394.54. AIDS Walk Portland has never had as many teams break the $10,000 mark!
 | Members of the Positive Force Northwest team.
Photo by Marty Davis |
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