AIDS Walk Hudson Valley 2005

For immediate release

Most people think that AIDS is not a problem in the Hudson Valley, but we have the second highest infection rate in the state—second only to New York City. There are an estimated 13,600 people living with HIV in our region. Those most affected by this disease are our youth. Half of all new HIV-infections are among the 13-24 age group.

You can help by contributing to AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS) through its 14th Annual AIDS Walk Hudson Valley. On Saturday, October 1, 2005, families and friends across seven counties will gather at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, NY for the Hudson Valley’s largest AIDS Walk.

Last year’s event was a success with more than 500 people attending the three-mile Walk from all over the Hudson Valley, including local politicians and community leaders. This year’s event includes live music, a D.J., food, prizes, the “World’s Greatest Little Flea Market”, vendor displays, clowns, and face painting for the kids.

How can you support the AIDS Walk?

Register as a walker by calling the Walk Line (914) 785-8359 or by using the Contact Us page of our website, www.arcs.org. Prizes are awarded to the individuals who raise the most money.

Form a Walk team and register your Walk team as described above. A Walk team is a group of friends, co-workers, parishioners, or classmates who each raise money and walk together as a team. Prizes are awarded to teams who raise the most money.

Place an ad in the souvenir AIDS Walk Journal. The journal will be distributed to participants and other associates, reaching over 1,500 people in our area. This is a great opportunity to advertise your company/services and show your customers that you care. To place a journal ad contact Margaret Bryan (914) 785-8212.

Become an AIDS Walk Hudson Valley sponsor. There are three levels of sponsorship. A $1,500 donation will help ARCS reach out to at risk youth, and at this sponsorship level, your logo will be printed on Walker T-shirts. As a Mile Sponsor, a $2,000 donation, your company’s logo will be printed on Walker T-shirts and on a mile marker along the Walk route. Event Sponsors, a donation of $5,000 or more, your company’s logo will be printed on all event publicity including posters, print advertisements, Walker T-shirts and on a mile marker along the Walk route. Event Sponsors to date include Starbucks and Entergy. All three sponsorship levels include a full-page Gold ad in the Walk Journal, which reaches more than 1,500 people. To become a sponsor contact Bill Primavera (914) 785-8326.

All contributions to the AIDS Walk Hudson Valley are tax deductible.

For more information, or to obtain an AIDS Walk Hudson Valley sponsor envelope contact Darcy Lyons (914) 785-8283.