Ok, So A Follow Up To AIDS Walk St. Pete....

I received this letter in my e-mail today.

Dear AIDS Walk Friends and Supporters,

I am still reeling from the events of this past Saturday – our long anticipated AIDS Walk date with each other! I wish to convey to all of you how very sorry I am that the physical portion of the Walk had to be canceled. Indeed, we were very worried about the safety of our participants in such bad weather. Additionally, we had insurmountable set-up issues due to storming rain, lightning, flooding and a broken down supply truck ( all this at 3:30 a.m. when we began set-up at the park). Unfortunately the circumstances were more than we could overcome. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that was caused for any of you.

In spite of all these events – we have still collected a total of over $67,000.00 to date. As many as a couple hundred people braved the rain and came down to the park to drop off donations. It was really touching to see so many committed friends braving the elements to support this wonderful cause!

We collected about $13,000.00 (included in the 67K total) the day of the event as opposed to the normal $35,000.00 or so that we usually collect at the Walk. So – we did take a hit – and this is our most significant fundraising event of the year. We use these funds to support our medical co-pay assistance program, food and personal needs pantry and other vital client support services. If you still have your donations and are wondering how to get them to us, I’d like to ask you to please drop your donations off at the ASAP office at 3050 1st Ave South in St. Petersburg (727-328-3260). You can also still donate on the AIDS Walk website @ www.aidswalkstpete.org. We really appreciate your support in helping us fulfill our goal.

Unfortunately, we are not going to be able to reschedule the physical walk; however, please be on the lookout from me for a date when we plan to have a “Finish Line” party here at our south county service center. We’ll meet, socialize and CELEBRATE our crossing of the proverbial finish line! Again – thank you for your support for AIDS walk and those who are living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. You are the real champions – weather or not!

With best regards,

William Harper

Director – AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP)

Thank you to listeners Steven, Rachael, and The qCast Guys Kevin and Michael for their wonderful donations!