AIDS Hike raises record total
by Mallory Reed '10On Sunday May 27, Hamilton hosted its 10th annual AIDS Hike for Life. "The Mohawk Valley and Hamilton College came together to raise a record-breaking amount of money for AIDS Community Resources" said AIDS Community Resources Director of Special Projects/Development Wil Murtaugh. "At this point it's more than $63,000 and counting."
AIDS Community Resources and the Hamilton College Class of 2008 hosted the fundraiser on the hill. ACR is a not-for-profit, community-based organization providing prevention, education, and support services to those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS throughout the Central, Northern, and Mohawk Valley regions of New York. "We are indebted to the Class of 2008, the leadership of '08 class president Ryan Morris, and college president Joan Hinde Stewart. You welcomed us with open arms and AIDS Community Resources is grateful."
Although there were multiple competing events such as the Rugby Tournament, the Track competition and the Housing Lottery, the 2008 AIDS Hike still set a new fundraising record. Over 435 people walked ran, or hiked 5 kilometers across campus. The top fundraising college team was Fleet of Feet as the 11 members raised more than $2,200. The sisters of Gamma Xi came in second place with over $1,500 dollars, and Kappa Sigma Alpha raised over $1,200 in third place. Fleet of Feet member and fourth place race finisher Jordan Fischetti '08 said, " I really enjoyed raising money for a great cause. It was great to see so many people out there from the Hamilton Community."
Mohawk Valley residents joined Hamilton Students in the AIDS Hike for Life. "Under blue skies and brilliant sunshine, residents from the Mohawk Valley visiting Hamilton College for the first time were most impressed with its beauty and community spirit" said Associate Director of the Career Center Jeannine Murtaugh. "Those returning residents and campus community members, once again, were left with a sense of what make Hamilton College such a special place." First place female race finisher Ashley Langer '09 said, "It's nice to have the support of local towns and cities involved in an event with Hamilton Students."
Wil Murtaugh said his favorite part of the AIDS Hike for Life is "the making of new and happy moments." He added, "There's a lot of pain in the past for many involved in the AIDS Hike for Life." Numerous community teams were formed by people who have lost a loved one to AIDS. "My uncle died from AIDS 13 years ago and the disease still hasn't been cured," said Fischetti. "I feel like with more research the disease can be cured, and the AIDS Hike for Life is a small, but significant step closer to finding a cure."
New York State has the highest rate of HIV infection in the US with over 32,000 cases in upstate New York alone. This resonates with AIDS Hike for Life Planning Committee member Greg Ray '08, who said, "This number is greater than the population of Ithaca, where I will be living next year." According to Ray, "With the money raised, AIDS Community Resources can work on education, awareness, and financial support for those with HIV and AIDS here in upstate New York. I am extremely proud of all the groups that participated in the event from Hamilton, both as participants and as volunteers."