Join hundreds of people at Woldenberg Riverfront Park on September 28th, 2019 for the Chevron Walk to End HIV. The 30th annual walk aims to raise awareness for everyone who has been affected by HIV/AIDS in the New Orleans area. The walk is three miles long and is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Orleans bounce legend Big Freedia will perform, celebrating all those who raised money and awareness for the cause.
Over the past 29 years, the event, sponsored by Chevron and Avita Pharmacy, has raised over 6.5 million dollars for HIV and AIDS services, and "have collectively walked to the moon and back," according to their website.
Each donation goes towards community health provider CrescentCare. These funds will help thousands of individuals who depend on essential services like primary health care, HIV and STI testing, housing and nutritional assistance, and more. 100 percent of the funds are poured back into the New Orleans community.
Registration is available both online and in person. In-person registration is from 8 A.M- 12 P.M. You can either register as an individual or a team. If you're not feeling up to the exercise, give a donation through the website or stationery mail. Donations can be mailed to CrescentCare c/o WALK Committee, 2601 Tulane Ave, Ste 500, New Orleans, LA 70119. There will be a $10 suggested donation at the gate, but, if you can't donate, don't worry.
Chevron's health and wellness staff will host a stretch/warm-up for those who need to limber up, followed by a Shake Down to End HIV with a performance by the Gay Men's chorus. The Fun Run/Walk begins at 10:00 A.M., with the Big 6 Brass Band cheering on participants. At the end of the walk, awards will be given both on and off the walking path.
The event also has other features such as health information, children's activities, and more. Stop by the Kids Tent to get some airbrush tattoos and join in on Drag Queen Story Time. Have some fun at the "Who Will You Dunk?" activity from 9 A.M.-12 P.M. The Dunkers include Dorian-Gray Alexander, Christian Rogers, Jerry Newton and more.
You can find a parking spot throughout the Marigny/Bywater neighborhoods as well as a free parking lot on N. Peters Street at Mandeville Street. However, the event encourages "our Walk participants to take public transportation, bike, and utilize ride sharing to get to the event," according to their website.
Go out
and support those living with HIV/AIDS and remember those who have lost their
lives to the disease. You can find out more about CrescentCare and its services here.
