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Wendell’s Fireside Chat
OBSERVER
WEEKLY
October 2, 2013
Top 10 reasons you should register for AIDSWALK
By Wendell Hicks SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER 10. Stylish Walker Bags: Every registered walker receives a stylish, reusable swag bag filled with an official AIDSWALK T-shirt, power bars, bracelets and other goodies! Skip the lines and come to SAAF to get your stuff during early bird registration and check-in. (See below) 9. This is the 25th Anniversary of AIDSWALK. More than 70,000 Tucsonans have raised over $3,000,000 since the first AIDSWALK Tucson. Let’s celebrate this milestone together on Oct. 13! “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has!” – Margaret Mead 8. David Letterman won’t be there, but Stuart Milk will! Stuart is the nephew of the iconic civil rights advocate Harvey Milk, and an LGBT advocate in his own right. He is serving as the honorary chairperson for this year’s AIDSWALK. Please join him as he kicks off this historic community event. 7. Tucson Eat Yourself (aka Tucson Meet Yourself) aptly describes one of Tucson’s most beloved festivals now which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. After AIDSWALK you can satisfy your hunger and sample
specialties from more than 50 food vendors representing cultures from around the world. (See the reviews on Yelp – like AIDSWALK, it’s a must do event at http://www.yelp. com/biz/tucson-meet-yourselftucson.)
3. The Quilt Opening Ceremony: One of the most moving parts of the day, the Quilt touches the heart of everyone who witnesses this important tradition. This year in addition to Quilts from Southern Arizona, SAAF is bringing two
6. Your pet can be a super hero. AIDSWALK is a pet-friendly event. Register your fourlegged friends to walk with you for just $5 each. Every participating pet receives an AIDWALK doggie bandana just like the one Chapo is wearing! (see photo, right) Please remember, all pets must be leashed for everyone’s safety and sanity.
panels from the National AIDS Memorial Quilt with Tucson ties. Each panel is a loving tribute - handmade by lovers, partners, fans, family members and friends – to those lost to AIDS.
5. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – Missionary Order of the San Xavier Sisters: Congratulations to the newest order of sisters, serving our Southern Arizona community. If you don’t know about the Sisters …. Then you’ve got to come to the AIDSWALK on Oct. 13! You’ll know them by their “distinctive habits.” 4. The M•A•C Kissing Booth: Join M•A•C Cosmetics for the M•A•C Viva Glam kissing booth. Make your mark with M•A•C Viva Glam as we kiss AIDS goodbye!
2. J o i n i n g the AIDSWALK will make you feel good, I promise! Do good, feel good. Research shows that volunteering and altruism is associated with noteworthy decreases in blood pressure, stomach acid and cholesterol counts as well as higher levels of immunityboosting immunoglobin A. And the #1 reason to participate in AIDSWALK Tucson on Oct. 13 — 1. Every dollar raised by AIDSWALK stays right here serving local communities: The funds raised at AIDWALK Tucson provide food, housing, medications, counseling and emotional support, access to
dental care, as well as essential prevention and advocacy work in Tucson and Southern Arizona. We need YOU to help us meet our $150,000 goal.
AIDSWALK Early Bird Registration and Check-In: Get an extra bit of shuteye the morning of the Walk by taking advantage of early bird check-in. Register in person: • Drop off cash or checks collected from your sponsors • Pick up your fundraising prizes including your walker bag and t-shirt. • You’re all set! No need to check-in the morning of AIDSWALK! Where: SAAF Offices located at 375 S. Euclid Ave., (south of Broadway Blvd.) When: Oct. 9 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 10 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 11 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 12 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thank you for supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in our community through your AIDSWALK registration!
For more information visit www.saaf.org