AIDS/LifeCycle Sets Record by Raising $11.5 million

From Gay News Blog:

More than 2,500 cyclists from all over the world rode exuberantly from San Francisco this morning, beginning a 7-day, 545-mile bike ride to Los Angeles as participants in the annual AIDS/LifeCycle. This year's riders and 500 volunteer roadies raised a record $11.5 million, more than any other annual HIV/AIDS fundraising event.

Now in its seventh year, the event benefits the HIV/AIDS-related services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, two of the largest AIDS services providers in the country. Since its inception, AIDS/LifeCycle has raised more than $40 million for HIV/AIDS services. No other annual event raises more money in the fight against AIDS.

Lorri L. Jean, chief executive officer of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, said the ride is critical in fighting the widespread misperception that HIV and AIDS are no longer a problem.

"We've made many advances in the struggle against HIV and AIDS, but the fight is far from over," Jean said. "During the time it will take us to reach L.A., more than 1,000 Americans will become newly infected with HIV. What's more, HIV continues to be nothing less than a healthcare crisis internationally and in our own back yard. The 3,000 riders and volunteer roadies -- and the 60,000 people who sponsor them -- are raising awareness and making a statement that we will not stand idle in the face of the monumental challenge before us."

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