AIDS Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort for 2012

Thousands expected to attend the annual event

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AIDS Services Foundation Orange County (ASF) announced today that the Disneyland Resort will once again serve as the venue for AIDS Walk Orange County.  The 26th annual walk takes place Sunday, May 6.

Five thousand supporters are expected to attend and enjoy the magical route through Disneyland park, Disney California Adventure park and Downtown Disney. The walk is scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m.

"ASF is thrilled and humbled to be returning to the Disneyland Resort for AIDS Walk 2012. We received such amazing feedback about the location from last year's walkers and volunteers. And the experience for our clients in attendance was emotionally overwhelming," said Philip Yaeger, executive director of ASF. "One of our clients remarked, while standing among a crowd of thousands on Main Street, USA, at Disneyland, that he now knew he was not alone in his fight against AIDS."

The Disneyland Resort, which agreed to host the 25th AIDS Walk last year, has been a corporate sponsor of the event since 2000. That support has included Disney VoluntEARS who have participated as walkers and provided volunteer assistance. 

"We raised nearly 25 percent more for AIDS Walk in 2011 because the event was held at the Disneyland Resort," commented Chris Bragg, event organizer and ASF director of events, "We're certain that the experience for all of our walkers will be even better this year!"

First held in 1987 at Mason Park in Irvine, the walk has taken place in various locations and raised over $14 million in donations to help provide services for people affected by HIV/AIDS in Orange County.  ASF organizes the event with proceeds shared among several nonprofit agencies that provide services to people living in Orange County that are impacted by the disease.

Among the agencies expected to benefit from the 2012 event are: AEGiS; The Center Orange County; Laguna Beach Community Clinic; Mercy House; Orange County Cornerstone Outreach; Public Law Center; Shanti Orange County; Straight Talk Clinic, Inc.; and AIDS Services Foundation Orange County.

ASF is a nonprofit organization founded in 1985.  Annually, the agency assists more than 1,600 men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.  Among the services ASF provides are food, transportation, housing, emergency financial assistance, mental health counseling, HIV testing, and HIV prevention and education programs.  To learn more about ASF go to www.ocasf.org.  For more information about AIDS Walk visit www.aidswalkorangecounty.org.

Media Contact:
Marc Montminy, ASF 949-809-8766
[email protected]

SOURCE AIDS Services Foundation Orange County