OHIO Pride Society rallies Bobcats for AIDS Walk Ohio

The OHIO Pride Society is no stranger to philanthropic events. In January, the organization volunteered their time at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.

For the third consecutive year, the OHIO Pride Society invites the Bobcat community to participate in the Dr. Robert J. Fass AIDS Walk on April 14. As one of the state’s largest HIV/AIDS awareness events, the race raises money for HIV/AIDS service organizations in Central Ohio.

The race is family friendly, including a 5K walk, 5K run and one-mile stroll that begins at McFerson Commons and follows the Scioto Trail through downtown Columbus. Check-in and registration begins at 9 a.m., and the run kicks off at 10 a.m. Costs for each race vary.

OHIO Pride Society President Amy Flowers, BA ’05, MPA ’08, encourages OHIO alumni to support the cause by joining the OHIO Pride Society AIDS Walk team or making a donation on the team page. The OHIO Pride Society’s sign-up page also requests attendee information, including shirt size for a “Bobcats Give Back” T-shirt to wear during the walk.

“We operate as an organization aimed at engaging LGBTQA alumni in the Columbus and Central Ohio area by… supporting causes and organizations that demonstrate community, diversity and inclusiveness,” Flowers said.

Named after Ohio State University’s deceased director of the Division of Infectious Diseases, the Dr. Robert J. Fass AIDS Walk has raised millions of dollars for AIDS/HIV prevention and care since its inception in 1984. More than 30,000 people have participated to raise funds and awareness for the cause.

This year, the walk aims to raise $278,500 with 2,000 participants. Any donation amount is welcome. According to AIDS Walk Ohio’s website, just $30 can help enroll 30 newly-diagnosed individuals into care, and $250 can help the organization campaign for funding for treatment, testing and prevention programs.

For any questions about the event, contact Amy Flowers at amy.e.flowers@gmail.com.