I was on my way to the A.I.D.S. walk bright and early this morning when a pretty young lady from the Inland Empire - Louisa Hayton - strode up and asked for directions to the starter's gate for the 25th annual A.I.D.S. fundraiser.
What an inspiring moment!
While some have become complacent about the insiduous disease (causing turn-outs to see-saw up-and-down from year-to-year) - the dedicated, on the other hand, still recognize that the fight is certainly not over by a long shot.
There is still no cure for HIV or A.I.D.S.
And, at a time when funding is urgently needed for research, preventive care, and outreach programs - Governor Schwarzenegger has cut back on programs that will drastically affect A.I.D.S. patients, the disabled, and a handful of support organizations in the State of California that normally provide a lifeline for the needy and the afflicted.
But, there is hope on the horizon, evidently.
A representative of APLA (A.I.D.S. Project/Los Angeles) informed the enthusiastic upbeat walkers from his perch on the star-studded podium today - that in a recent dialogue with President Obama - there were assurances from the current administration that a call for a Federal mandate to deal effectively and hands-on with the A.I.D.S. crisis was in the pipeline.
Another empty promise?
Craig Miller, who created the A.I.D.S. walk which originated in WeHo twenty-five years ago, was on hand to motivate the crowd.
As usual, the charismatic activist used the occasion to educate, inform, and inspire.
For background info on Craig and the origins of the 1st A.I.D.S. walk, check out a prior post penned on the eve of last year's fundraiser.
Post: 10/19/2008
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/10/aids-walk-los-angelescharismatic-actor.html
Meanwhile, Mayor Villaraigosa put in an appearance in spite of a busy schedule.
The youthful-looking politician - who has been chastized in the past for failing to put in a show on the shakey grounds that other commitments prevented him from joining in to help rustle up funds and raise awareness for the cause - appeared casually-dressed in jeans and an elegant dress shirt open at-the-collar.
He urged the revellers to shop at Macy's and book a room at Hilton on their next vacation or business trip to show appreciation for each's generous support at fundraisers and at other salient events throughout the year.
A spokesperson for Hilton, the major sponsor for the powerhouse event, noted in an eloquent speech that - for Hilton - it wasn't about the buildings or the image of the corporate entity.
"There's no Paris up here. A few employees got together one day and realized they could get involved and make a difference in the fight against A.I.D.S."
Indeed, as of this date, Hilton staffers have raised over $1 million.
Jeff Katzenberg (Hollywood mogul & Producer extraordinaire) hailed one of his assistants, too.
"With my rolodex, she managed to fill a kitty to the tune of approximately $999,000.00. She is a hero," he underscored proudly.
Silent "fundraisers" in the community who raised $1,000.00 (or more) received plaudits, too.
Each was bestowed with a bejewelled crown which glittered majestically in the early-morning sunlight.
The celebration wasn't without humor, either.
Candis Cayne (Dirty Sexy Money) entertained the crowd with a few zingers from the stage as buffed male actors with impecable pecs and washboard abs (known to TV audiences) modelled (and strutted) ensemble pieces - T-shirts, Caps, & Tote bags - that were being offered up to reward go-getters who snared big-time donation bucks.
Cayne - a triple treat - has not escaped the keen eye of my camera lens in the past.
On two ocasions, I have captured the sensual actress on Video in live performances on stage.
Post: 05/27/2009
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/candis-caynedoes-lady-ga-ga-abbey.html
Post: 05/28/2009
http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/candis-caynespoofs-druggie-whitney_28.html
Before the madding crowd headed off down the street to commence the walk, they were treated to a wide array of tasty nutritious snacks to energize their little bunny tails - yogurt, protein bars, fresh fruit, thirst-quenching coolers - which were all donated by generous sponsors.
Thanks to each and every one!
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