Three decades spent on any important endeavor can bring a lot of change, a lot of good, and a lot of people who've gotten the call to join in, give what they can, and share the love.
And AIDS Walk Los Angeles is certainly in that three-decades-along club, plus another couple of years to boot: What began in 1985 continues to stand as a large and lively event, one that regularly welcomes thousands of Southern Californians who want to make an urgent difference in the worlds of their neighbors.
And that difference will be made again, on Sunday, Oct. 15, as AIDS Walk Los Angeles begins on the steps of City Hall. That's City Hall downtown, and if you recall strolling through West Hollywood in past years, well, you recollection is correct: The event was held along Santa Monica Boulevard and other adjacent streets for decades.
But a jump to DTLA in 2016 brought a fresh route for the 10k walk, though its impact and goals remain as vital and true as ever: Raise money that serves as "a vital lifeline that sustains APLA Health's prevention, care, and advocacy programs for the thousands of men, women, and families affected by the disease in Los Angeles County."
Over 20 HIV/AIDS service organizations benefit from the huge yearly happening.
Can you play a part? There's still time to register, as of the Thursday ahead of the walk. You can donate directly, too, if joining in isn't in the stars for you in 2017.
A few notes: There's a run, too, if that's your preference. Grand Park will be the center of the action, and there's a Metro stop nearby. And an aerobics warm-up, music, performance, food trucks, and the Downtown Divas of Drag, which spotlights stars from RuPaul's "Drag Race," are also woven into the community-strong day downtown.