Kelowna - On Sunday, September 25th at Waterfront Park in Kelowna the sun shone brightly as the Okanagan Family AIDS Walk set new records in both number of walkers and dollars raised TO STAY HERE OUR COMMUNITY!
A range of fundraising activities this year including the Laramie Project (by the Kelowna Actors Studio) Dress Down for AIDS Day "An Evening of Showstoppers" (by the Kelowna Actors Studio) the sale of AIDS Awareness bracelets and pins and the walk itself raised $60,185.00 to date, with further donations to come. In kind corporate donations (NOT cash brought in) for site equipment rentals, media coverage, donation of silent auction and walker prizes totalled an amazing $59,398.
A stellar cast of Celebrity Walkers including Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray 2005 AIDS Walk Chairman Mel Kotler, 2004 Canadian Olympian Malindi Elmore, Director of Emergency Social Services Beryl Itani, Kelowna RCMP Superintendent Bill McKinnon, Rev. Albert Baldeo, Pastor Tim Schroeder of Trinity Baptist Church, Kelowna City Councillor and Federal Conservative Candidate Ron Cannan, CHBC's Chris Cleaver, Economic Development Commission Executive Director Robert Fine, and former LPGA Player and President Gail Graham, led close to 500 walkers and runners along Kelowna's waterfront.
This year also saw the largest number of teams participating including Bernard Callebaut Chocolate Chips, Team Albert (Baldeo), Kelowna Actors Studio, SUN FM, Interior Savings Fast Cats, MAC Cosmetics, Starbucks, Gini's Hair & Esthetics, Trinity Baptist Church, a UN Youth Delegation Team, Team Mel (Kotler), and Team Dina (Kotler), and the Lake Country Alliance Church Team. Out of town teams included Team NOYFSS from Vernon and SOGALA and Penticton United Church from Penticton.
The Top Team Corporate Winners were once again Bernard Callebaut Chocolate Chips with a total of $7,272.35. Top Team Non-Corporate was Team Mel (Kotler) with a total of $5,069.00. Top Individual Fundraiser was once again Linda Forrest with a total of $1,046.00, while Top Fundraiser within a team saw last year's winner Tracy Hansen of Bernard Callebaut Chocolate Chips with a total of $4,994.85. Top Student Fundraiser was 10 year old Devon Weadon of the Kelowna Actors Studio Team. Oldest Walker prize was won by Marjorie Murton, Youngest Walker was 14 month old Haleigh Scott, and Faster Runner prize went to Barb Pullan.
The mood was festive as the crowd was entertained by local performers Robert Fine, Kurt Phillips, Meghan Atkinson-Smith, and Tom Stinson, as well as Vancouver Elvis Tribute Artist Randy "Elvis Rhythm" Rawlings.
All in all, it was a fabulous day which saw astonishing community support for this great cause. Many thanks to all of the volunteers, walkers & runners, and sponsors for making this day such a success!
For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact:
Daryle Roberts
Living Positive Resource Centre
250-862-2437
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