Ryan Braun to serve as honorary chair of AIDS Walk Wisconsin 2012

Ryan Braun, the Milwaukee Brewers’ all-star left fielder and the National League’s reigning most valuable player, will serve as honorary chair of AIDS Walk Wisconsin 2012, the organization announced today.

Last year’s honorary chair was Packers star CClay Matthews.

“I am honored to be a part of AIDS Walk Wisconsin 2012,” Braun said in a statement.  “AIDS is still impacting too many of our friends, family members and neighbors. I am proud to do whatever I can to help raise awareness and generate support to strengthen the fight against AIDS.”

The state’s largest AIDS fundraiser, AIDS Walk Wisconsin has raised more than $10.5 million over the past 22 years.  Proceeds support HIV prevention, care and treatment services in the state.

“In 2011, reported new HIV infections in Wisconsin were up 18 percent over the previous year,” said ARCW president and CEO Michael J. Gifford. “With Ryan’s strong support, we know we can raise the funds needed to help curb new infections while making sure everyone with HIV gets the health care and medications they need to live a long, healthy life.”

Gifford said there are 6,584 people confirmed to be living with HIV in Wisconsin. Additionally, there are approximately 1,700 people in Wisconsin who have HIV but do not know it because they have not been tested.

ARCW also announced that MillerCoors will be the event’s presenting sponsor and the Brewers Community Foundation will serve as grand sponsor.

AIDS Walk Wisconsin will take place Sat., Oct. 6, 2012, at the Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee. For more information about AIDS Walk Wisconsin, to register, or to inquire about additional corporate sponsorship opportunities, please go to www.aidswalkwis.org or call 800-334-WALK (8255).


(wisconsingazette.com)