Watching people mill around Theis Park, going from table to table seeking freebies, waving to semi-familiar faces, and only half-listening to the MIX 93.3 DJs on Saturday, April 6, one would almost think that they were taking part in some company picnic (or something equally fun and uninspiring). However, they were all there to make a difference and to show their support for the 20th annual AIDS Walk-KC.
The park was filled with various Missouri-based businesses and their booths. Companies like The Pitch, Verge Magazine, and The Kansas City Star came together with UMB Bank, The Unicorn Theater, Grantham University, and Team MCC-KC to sponsor the walk and provide the walkers with food, water, or some token of appreciation.
"This is the 4th year MCC has participated in AIDSWalk Kansas City," said Penn Valley Biology Instructor Nancy Harrington. "I think the team was bigger than last year. Each year more people decide to donate their time and/or money, and some are even starting to look forward to the AIDSWalk as early as December 1, World AIDS Day."
This year's AIDS walk raised $100,000 in pre-walk donations, according to one of the DJs, and Team MCC helped to achieve that goal. "We won't have the total for a few weeks or a month, but it looks like it's approaching $4,000," Harrington said.
The money will go to help the AIDS Service Foundation, whose mission statement is "to raise awareness and funding for local service organizations which provide shelter, medical care, and emergency services to the women, men, and children living with HIV/AIDS in our community."
 AIDS Walk 2008 |
"I think, since it is still difficult to talk about and face up to issues related to sexuality, some either stay in denial about whether they are infected, or simply do not want to know," Harrington explained. "It's a frightening thing to get the news that you are HIV positive."
Even though people are now more socially accepting of those infected with HIV/AIDS than they were twenty years ago, there is still a long way to go. "HIV/AIDS is still taboo. I hope we are talking about it more. But as long as people are judged and blamed for acquiring the virus, there will be shame and secrecy," she said.
"That makes it difficult to talk about it. The government funding is not as strong as it should be in my opinion, so we increasingly depend upon private citizens to donate generously of their time and money to deal with the epidemic," Harrington continued.
Aside from bringing people together for a worthy cause, there are a lot of individual benefits to be taken from the walk. "I think the experience of getting out into the community and sharing time and energy with others is exhilarating," Harrington said.
"I think it inspires some students to do more work outside of school for causes in which they believe. I also think it gives people a sense of the power to make a difference.
"All it takes is a little push, and most people are happy to show support for causes like this one. I am very proud of MCC students, staff, faculty, and administrators for our participation in this annual event. I look forward to a bigger team and more fundraising for AIDSWalk 2009," said Harrington.
Even if you did not walk you can still make a difference by donating. To make a donation through Team MCC-KC by credit card, you can visit Harrington's website at www.firstgiving.com/nancyharrington.
Copyright 2008 Metropolitan Community College