2008-04-25 17:43:21 - By Jennifer J. Dickinson AIDS Walk New York has become an annual philanthropic tradition since 1986, becoming the largest AIDS fundraising event in the world. In 2007, the organization raised a record-breaking amount exceeding $6.8 million, bringing the overall total donations since the charity's inception to a total of $97 million raised for AIDS and HIV programs, services and organizations. Among groups that benefit are the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and 60 other AIDS service organizations local to the New York Metropolitan Area.

Individuals and teams of walkers join in to fight for the cause by raising funds and then walking 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles through New York City, with the walk beginning and ending in Central Park. At the 2007 AIDS Walk New York, there were approximately 45,000 walkers that participated. The walk is also supported by major corporate sponsors as

well as celebrities - it is reported that at the upcoming May 18, 2008 event Whoopi Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper and Eugene will be appearing.

One team in particular that has been making strides is the Aider-Raiders, started in 2004 by twin sisters Becky Aronson and Gina Aronson. These dynamic and energetic 23 year old young women started their team with a mission to educate people about the disease and to work to stop the ignorance and negative stigmas associated with it. They especially hope to inspire compassion for the victims of the disease and their families.

Becky Aronson and Gina Aronson are passionate about the idea of raising money and finding a cure for the AIDS Epidemic. They believe that even the simple act of buying a t-shirt or bracelet in support of the cause can help.

To hear more about the missions and philosophies of the founders of the Aider-Raiders Team, please click the video below. To sponsor the Aider-Raiders Team or any of their walkers, or to walk with the Aider-Raiders on May 18, 2008, please click here to access the Team Webpage: aidswalknewyork2008.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ie .. .

To learn more about AIDS Walk New York, please click this link: www.aidswalk.net/newyork/ .
To learn more about the assistance and services provided by the Gay Men's Health Crisis, please click here: www.gmhc.org/index.html .
To register to walk, please click here: aidswalk.net/newyork/takeaction/register.html .
To sponsor a walker, please click here: aidswalknewyork2008.kintera.org/faf/search/searchParticipants.as .. .
To make a general donation, please click here: www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?supId=0&ievent=2620 .. .
To volunteer, please click here: aidswalk.net/newyork/takeaction/volunteer.html .

To view the AIDS Walk New York You Tube Channel please click here: www.youtube.com/user/AIDSWalk .