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AFAN Hosts 19th Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas

AID for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) hosted the 19th Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas yesterday (Sunday, April 19, 2009) downtown at the World Market Center and raised $401,000 (Photo credits: Brian Steffy).   

As AFAN’s largest fundraiser of the year, proceeds raised will go towards assisting and educating more than 3,000 men, women and children infected with HIV and AIDS in Southern Nevada. More than 8,000 people showed up today to join the fight against HIV/AIDS.

At this year’s AIDS Walk, AFAN announced details regarding AFAN’s Annual Black & White Party, which takes place at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009. 

To celebrate the news, multiple Frisbees with event information were thrown into the crowd. The event featured entertainment by DJ Axis, as well as a special performance by the talented singer/songwriter Jake Walden.

It drew support from Las Vegas’ own resident entertainers, including: Penn & Teller, Grand Marshals and hosts of the Penn & Teller Challenge team, who matched every dollar the team raised for the event (more than $110,000 after matching); celebrity co-hosts Chris Saldana of KLAS Ch. 8 Eye Witness News and Duncan Payton of 105.7 FM The Oasis, Area 107.9 FM and founder/CEO of StudioOUT.com; and teams led by The Fantasy Girls and the casts of Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular, JERSEY BOYS, Lion King, Jubilee and Le Reve. In addition, juggler Michael Goudeau from Lance Burton’s show and comedian Mac King came by to show their support.

Sponsors included: Vitamin Water, Tropical Smoothie, Trader Joes, Samurai Sam’s, Jason’s Deli and Starbuck’s. Children enjoyed the designated play area, which featured jumpy houses, popcorn, pony rides, a petting zoo, snow cones and cotton candy.

For the past 18 years, AFAN has hosted the AIDS Walk with great success. Throughout the years, the AIDS Walk has drawn in an increasing number of participants including large corporations and families in the community. The AIDS Walk serves as a creative and exciting way for businesses and organizations to come together to be involved with sponsors including: Blue Man Group, Penn & Teller, World Market Center, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank and Starbucks.

(Photo credits: Brian Steffy).