AIDS organizations collaborate

Two nonprofits with similar missions, the AIDS Project Rhode Island and AIDS Care Ocean State, are collaborating on two major fundraisers taking place in late summer.
On Aug. 23, the organizations are unveiling the “High Heel Dash Race & Block Party,” in downtown Providence. And on Sept. 13, the annual AIDS Walk RI will take place, with AIDS Care Ocean State as a full partner in the project. AIDS Project Rhode Island has been running the walk for decades.
“We’ll be pooling our resources to make these events great successes,” said AIDS Project Rhode Island executive director Stephen Hourahan. “These are fundraisers and they are designed to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. As reported by the Rhode Island Health Department, newly identified cases of HIV rose nearly 33 percent between 2013 and 2014. People need to get tested to stop the spread of HIV and begin treatment early in the infection.”
“The High Heel Dash complements AIDS Walk RI because it will be a platform to not only raise money, but to get people to sign up for the walk,” said AIDS Care Ocean State executive director Paul Fitzgerald. “We’re hoping to increase the participation of young people in HIV/AIDS events because there seems to be less awareness of HIV and AIDS among those who were not around when the epidemic began in the United States in the 1980s.”
Hosted by BB Hayes and Kitty Litter, the High Heel Dash & Block Party will take place at The Stable, 125 Washington St., Providence, from noon to 6 p.m. The actual race will take place outside the club at 2 p.m. and will offer first place prizes for men and women. Registration is $25. Visit www.aidscareos.org to register or register from noon to 2 p.m. during the block party.
The AIDS Walk RI starts at the Rhode Island State House and ends with a block party on Aborn Street, Providence. There is no charge to walk the course, but individuals and teams make donations and get sponsors. Registration takes place between noon and 1 p.m. the day of the walk, on-line at www.firstgiving.com/aidswalkri or through the two agencies’ websites. The walk kicks off at 1 p.m.

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