On Oct. 15, 2006, nearly 1,200 people gathered in University Park, despite overcast skies, to participate in a “Moving Celebration,” the 2006 Indiana AIDS Walk & Ride. The downtown Indianapolis location was a new one for us, and we had concerns about people coming out in force, especially when we heard the weather forecast.

We should have known better. Not only did we have more teams of walkers and riders than ever before, the Indiana AIDS Walk & Ride raised $30,000 more than last year’s event! To date, the event has raised more than $170,000, and donations are still arriving.

We could not have reached this fund-raising milestone without the support of our teams, sponsors, volunteers and the Indiana AIDS Fund staff. We want to specifically acknowledge Phil Denton and Team Greg’s/Metro/Club Indy for raising more than $50,500! In addition, we would like to thank Dr. Virginia Caine and the Marion County Health Department for being the 2006 Indiana AIDS Walk & Ride presenting sponsor.

Whether your gift was large or small, your donation could not have come at a better time for agencies providing HIV/AIDS services throughout the state. Because of you, the Indiana AIDS Fund still will be able to honor emergency funding needs through its Gregory R. Powers Direct Emergency Financial Assistance (DEFA) Program, even as federal funding decreases.
Last year alone, through DEFA, the Indiana AIDS Fund granted $133,900 to 16 different agencies so they could help nearly 1,000 Hoosiers obtain food, clothing, medications, utilities and other vital assistance. The Indiana AIDS Fund board is currently reviewing 2006 DEFA requests, and will announce grant recipients on Dec. 12.  

On behalf of the more than 10,000 Hoosiers living with HIV and AIDS who may need these emergency services one day, thank you.