UCSF Team Shows Spirit at AIDS Walk San Francisco

By Lisa Cisneros

2011 UCSF AIDS Walk Team

Members of the UCSF AIDS Walk team gather for a photo opportunity before the start of the 25th Annual AIDS Walk San Francisco on July 17.

The UCSF team came out in full force for the 25th Annual AIDS Walk San Francisco on Sunday when overcast skies finally gave way to sunshine in the City in the afternoon.

Members of the UCSF community were among an estimated 25,000 walkers who trekked through Golden Gate Park to raise more than $3 million for HIV/AIDS programs and services in the San Francisco Bay Area, including some beneficiaries at UCSF.

San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee talks with a citizen.

San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee was among officials to speak to those gathered at AIDS Walk San Francisco.

While the exact fundraising totals will not be known until mid-August, giving more time for people to collect checks and donate online, the entire UCSF contingent has raised about $50,000 – which would mean the UCSF AIDS Walk Steering Committee will meet its goal again this year.

"We really want to thank everyone who helped us with another successful AIDS walk," said Jennifer Mannix, co-chair of the UCSF AIDS Walk Steering Committee. "Every year, we are impressed and inspired by the collective efforts of faculty, staff and students who continue to make a positive difference in the community."

San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee and celebrities turned out for the cause. Comedic actor Cloris Leachman, an Academy- and Emmy-award-winner who is now part of the cast of the zany sit-com "Raising Hope," gave fans a thrill by posing for pictures. Leachman had a good time kidding around with Alan Cumming, a Tony Award-winning actor who stars in "The Good Wife."

Here are a few of the scenes from the 2011 AIDS Walk San Francisco, which marked its 25th consecutive year. 

 

UCSF's Bear greets members of the UCSF team.

UCSF's Bear, otherwise known as Robert Kirkbride of Campus Life Services's Arts and Events, rallies members of the UCSF AIDS Walk team.

Actors Alan Cumming and Cloris Leachman

Among the celebrities to entertain the crowd at AIDS Walk San Francisco on July 17 were  award-winning actors Cloris Leachman and Alan Cumming.

Photos by Susan Merrell

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