AIDS Walk Wisconsin: Raises $261,094

Contact: Bill Keeton, Director of Communications

414-225-1572 (o)

Bill.Keeton@arcw.org

Sherie Johnson and close to 2,000 Walkers raise much-needed funds for HIV prevention, care and treatment in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, WI… The organizers of AIDS Walk Wisconsin 2010 are proud to announce close to 2,000 people from across Wisconsin gathered at the Summerfest grounds today to raise $261,094 for the fight against AIDS. Every dollar raised by AIDS Walk Wisconsin in its twenty one year history benefits organizations providing HIV prevention, care and treatment services in the state.

“AIDS Walk Wisconsin is an event of profound solidarity. We are so grateful that people endured a chilly, rainy day to raise much-needed funds for AIDS prevention and to assure access to health care for all HIV patients,” said Doug Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer for the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW).

Sherie Johnson – the wife of the late Mike Johnson – shared her emotionally-charged story with the crowd. After being diagnosed with HIV, Sherie and her husband immediately teamed-up to visit high schools nationwide to educate people about HIV. As a result of their tireless efforts they reached more than 1 million young people in schools across the country and saved countless lives by sharing messages urging safer sex and getting tested for HIV.

During her remarks, Sherie spoke about the importance of family and hope in fighting AIDS.

“Our family helped Mike survive longer than anyone expected,” Sherie said. “My family gives me hope for my own future.”

In addition to ARCW, other agencies benefiting from AIDS Walk Wisconsin proceeds include One Heartland, HIVictorious, the City of Milwaukee’s No Condom? No Way! Campaign, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Common Ground Ministry/Elena’s House, the Sheboygan County AIDS Task Force, and Equality Wisconsin.

MillerCoors was the presenting sponsor for AIDS Walk Wisconsin 2010. Other sponsors include: Brewers Charities, American Family Insurance, Promolux, the Onion, SC Johnson, we energies, WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio, Wisconsin Gazette, Frontier, Milwaukee Art Museum, Clear Channel Outdoor, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, Central Bark Doggy Day Care, Bartoli Filmworks, Feeding American Eastern Wisconsin, Quest, Assurant Health, Stone Creek Coffee, Milwaukee County Parks, Weyco Group, Exciting Events, and Macy’s.

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About AIDS Walk Wisconsin

AIDS Walk Wisconsin is the largest fundraising event supporting eight community based organizations all working to fight AIDS in the state. All proceeds generated by the Walk stay in Wisconsin and help ensure everyone with HIV has access to high quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay. AIDS Walk Wisconsin proceeds also support aggressive HIV prevention strategies aimed to reducing the number of new infections.

About Mike and Sherie Johnson

Sherie Johnson is the wife of the late Mike Johnson. Together, Mike and Sherie were tireless advocates in the fight against AIDS. Prior to his passing, Mike was a scholar of the political system and was instrumental in securing increased funding for a large state grant dedicated to AIDS care and treatment – the Mike Johnson Life Care and Early Intervention Services Grant.

About the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin

The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin is home to the ARCW Medical Center – Wisconsin’s largest and fastest growing provider of HIV health care. Through its integrated medical, dental and mental health clinics along with social services including food pantries, legal program, housing support and social work case management, more than 1,200 HIV patients gain the health care they need for long term survival with HIV disease.