AIDS Walk Phoenix and 5K Run benefits Aunt Rita’s Foundation

The sixth annual AIDS Walk Phoenix and 5K Run to benefit Aunt Rita’s Foundation is scheduled for Sunday.

Aunt Rita’s Foundation serves 18 agencies in central Arizona that provide programs to prevent HIV/AIDS or assist those living with the disease.

Since 2005, the foundation has granted more than $1 million to its agencies, according to a news release.

“Some of our agencies are small and rely on us for a major portion of their fundraising,” said Kit Kloeckl, executive director of Aunt Rita’s.

“Without our help, it would be hard for them to survive. Federal funding continues to decline and HIV/AIDS is not immune to those cut. The disease is alive and well and the need for community dollars are greater than ever.”

More than 10,200 people in Maricopa County had HIV or AIDS in 2011, up from about 6,780 in 2004, a 50 percent increase, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services’ 2012 annual report.

The 5K run is a chip-timed race timed by Race Place Events.

Entertainment begins at 7:45 a.m., the run starts at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:10 a.m. at Third Avenue and Washington Street.

Kids 12 and under are free to walk but need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Registration fees are $25 for walkers, $40 for runners (day of) and $10 for “good natured” dogs. There is no cost for assistance dogs to participate, but they must be registered by phone at 602-904-6001.

To register; sponsor a walker, runner, team or pet; or donate directly and get information for parking and light rail, visit aidswalkphoenix.org or call 602-882-8675.