This week I talked with Liz Page founder of the AIDS Walk Boston & 5K Run that's in its 30th year and takes place on Sunday June 7th. When the AIDS crisis hit Liz became a dedicated volunteer at the AIDS Action Committee where she launched the AIDS Walk previously known as From All Walks of Life which she managed for 5 years leading the team that raised consciousness and millions of dollars towards fighting the AIDS epidemic. This year the event returns to its roots on the Boston Common where it continues to be New England's largest HIV/AIDS awareness raiser attracting thousands of participants who walk for different reasons but walk together for one common cause: to support AIDS Action and its work to prevent new infections, maximize the health outcomes of those infected and to end the epidemic here in Massachusetts. The Walk is 6.2 miles and the 5K Run is a competitive, timed event fully sanctioned by the USA Track & Field Association. AIDS Action expects to raise approximately $1 million from the event. I talked to Liz about her inspiration for this event and her spin on our LGBT issues.
LISTEN:
When asked what she would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years Page stated:
I'd love to see any federal barriers dropped as far as complete equal rights for equal marriage so my wife and I can feel fully protected under the law as far as our estate and any financial protections that we might be being denied right now. I hope all of that for the sake of our daughter will be completely ironed out and we're always trying to fight discrimination. I am excited about all the transgender focus right now because I think there are so many people who are just starting to realize the pain they have lived through. I myself have a first cousin who several years ago at 57 years old said to his wife, 'I need to tell you either I'm going to make a transition to be a woman as I've always felt in my heart or I'm going to kill myself and you need to help me make this decision because I cannot live like this any longer." So right now I'm a big proponent of fair protection for transgender people.
Liz Page is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and in 1994 she opened Liz Page Associates a fundraising and special event production company. Under her leadership, LPA has built a reputation for producing special events for nonprofits and corporations that not only meet but exceed significant financial, marketing and employee engagement goals. Liz and her team create signature experiences with unforgettable power and style to help organizations reach their next level of success and visibility. The AIDS Walk & 5K Run will begin and end at Boston Common on June 7th 2015. Registration and check-in begins at 7:30A. After opening ceremonies at 9A the 5K Run begins at 9:50A and the Walk sets off at 10A. WCVB-TV's openly gay newscaster Randy Price will emcee the event which also includes a Wellness Festival and a post-walk celebration of healthy living. There isn't a registration fee or a minimum fundraising requirement to participate in the Walk, however there is a $30 registration fee for the 5K Run.
For More Info: action.aac.org