FAQs

Because of the closures of San Vicente Blvd. (above Melrose Ave.) and Santa Monica Blvd. (between La Cienega Blvd. and Doheny Dr.) for this event, there will be limited parking close to West Hollywood Park. To avoid traffic and parking delays, event participants are encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation such as ride sharing services or Metro.

The Pacific Design Center (PDC) has the largest number of available paid parking spaces adjacent to West Hollywood Park. You can only enter the PDC parking lot for this event using the entrance on the north side of Melrose Ave. between North Huntley Dr. and San Vicente Blvd. The closest GPS address to this entrance is: 8629 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood 90069. PLEASE NOTE that the San Vicente Blvd entrance to the Pacific Design Center will be closed for the duration of this event.

The Opening Ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM, and AIDS Walk will hit the street at 11:15 AM!

There will be 18-foot flags (each with a unique number) scattered throughout the park’s viewing area. Choose one flag to use as a wayfinding device and tell your friends/teammates where you’re settled in to meet up!

Backpacks, wagons, and strollers are allowed.

West Hollywood Park does have several picnic tables built into the park itself—if you arrive early, you may be able to snag one for your team to pass out shirts, breakfast, and more! We’ll also have picnic tables on the basketball courts.

Look for the row of tents near the playground. Stop by our Donations booth to turn in any collected cash, checks, or make a credit card donation that morning. Pick up your free shirt at our T-Shirts booth and visit the Incentives tent to pick up your commemorative pin if you’ve raised $100 or more.

If you have not yet registered, take the first step today and register online before you get to West Hollywood Park. We will not have registration available at the event.

Last year we raised over $1.2M for our LGBTQ+ healthcare services, and considering the need has grown this year, we hope to beat that for AWLA24. This year’s fundraising deadline is November 8, so it’s definitely not too late to fundraise! If you have donations to turn in or would like to make a donation that morning, please visit our Donation booth in West Hollywood Park.

We will have water available at the Water tent in the park and at our Checkpoint along the route. There will be snacks available at the tent as well, and we also have two food trucks located at the north end of the park. There are ample restaurants and bars in the area—we recommend heading to one of these after you are done Walking for a team lunch!

Yes, West Hollywood Park has bike parking available. We are unable to provide additional bike parking than what is available in the park already.

YES! All ages are welcome! We ask that you prepare to protect your child’s hearing at the Walk, as our stage will be loud. The West Hollywood Park playground will be open at 8AM on Sunday, October 13th.

Our Bus RSVP has ended—please text our office at 213.201.1439 for assistance. If you already RSVP’d, our team will be communicating specific instructions directly via email with you.

Yes! Dogs are allowed, and we’ve even seen some cats! Please prepare to care for your pet the entire time you are there by packing enough water, snacks, and waste bags for them. Please also be mindful it is generally warm in October—please prepare to take care of their paws on hot asphalt.

Please note that the West Hollywood Dog Park will be CLOSED on Sunday from 6AM – 2PM.

The difference between volunteering with our event and walking with our event is a matter of what activity you choose to do on October 13.

Volunteering includes passing out water, picking up trash, encouraging people along the route, and other logistics! You do not need to register for AIDS Walk to volunteer, though we appreciate when you do! To register, please click “Register” in the menu above.

To volunteer, please fill out this form by October 8: Volunteer Registration Form

Registering means being counted. We cannot say for certain how many people show up on October 13, but we can say for certain how many people registered in support of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Most people who register for AWLA choose to fundraise and then walk our route. Some community members who cannot physically Walk the route will still choose to register/fundraise and then volunteer (pass out water, etc.) on the day of instead.

Both can fulfill community service hours! If you are interested in volunteering specifically (i.e. not walking the route but providing assistance on October 13), please fill out this form: Volunteer Registration Form

AIDS Walk Los Angeles (AWLA) is an educational event organized by APLA Health, a leading LGBTQ+ healthcare nonprofit. It’s all about coming together as a community to not only fight against HIV/AIDS, but to fight for health equity.

By participating in AWLA, you can make a real difference in both the LGBTQ+ community and in the lives of people who are affected by HIV/AIDS. The money you help us raise primarily goes towards providing better healthcare and support for these two groups of people. Some funds raised also go towards supporting local allies (our CCI partners), making an even broader impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the fight for quality LGBTQ+ care.

APLA Health restores dignity and trust within underserved communities by providing world-class LGBTQ+ empowering healthcare, HIV specialty care, food, housing, and other essential support services.

Since our founding in 1983 under our former name, AIDS Project Los Angeles, we’ve been dedicated to helping people who are affected by HIV/AIDS and preventing new transmissions.

AWLA helps us not only raise awareness in the community about the need for better LGBTQ+ healthcare, but it also raises money so that we can support a wide range of vital services.

The funds raised through AIDS Walk Los Angeles are general funds. Also called unrestricted funds, these are monies that an organization can use for any purpose. Unlike specific funds (also known as restricted funds, such as grants) that are designed for a particular use, general funds can be used flexibly. We at APLA Health use general funds to support some of our programs that don’t receive funding from anywhere else, to fill in holes and gaps in services, and to do the kind of innovative work our community needs. AWLA donations are APLA Health donations, but method and funding sources matter: when you donate through AIDS Walk Los Angeles, you are giving us the freedom to respond nimbly to our community’s needs without asking anyone for permission first.

Absolutely not! AIDS Walk Los Angeles began as a protest march in response to the AIDS epidemic in 1985, and we value that history. We remain an accessible event for all. We do ask that you raise something, no matter what that is. Remember, every dollar you ask for is an opportunity to have a conversation about LGBTQ+ healthcare—conversations we sorely need right now.

APLA Health also accepts non-AIDS Walk donations all year round! If you have questions or special circumstances (such as matching gifts), please text us at 213.201.9255 or email us at aidswalkla@aplahealth.org so we can do our best to work with you.

This year, all participants will receive a commemorative shirt for attending, which can be picked up at West Hollywood Park on the morning of the event, while supplies last. Additionally, Star Walkers—those who raise $1,000 or more—will receive a unique shirt as a token of our appreciation. If you didn’t receive your Star Walker shirt in the mail, stop by the Incentives tent the morning of the Walk.

Your username and password carry over from year to year, so if you participated in AIDS Walk Los Angeles any time since 2020, you may just need to reset your password! If resetting your password or asking for your username does not work, please text us at 213.201.9255 or email us at aidswalkla@aplahealth.org.

Though your account details stay the same, we like to ask for your consent from year to year to participate! Note that for every annual AIDS Walk you will need to re-register for the event, even if you have registered in the past. Participation details and fundraising goals do not roll over year to year. Your profile will, however, save some of your information, such as your Address Book, Donor History, and other saved information from previous events. For this reason, we recommend returning participants re-use their username and password from the previous year instead of creating a new account with a new email address.

Email us at aidswalkla@aplahealth.org! We can manually turn your profile into a Team Captain. Just tell us what you want the name of your team to be!

Absolutely! Most schools do count fundraising and community organizing as service hours, because participating in AIDS Walk is a unique opportunity to showcase your leadership skills. It’s not just about walking and fundraising; it’s about organizing, communicating, and educating yourself and your team. You’ll gain valuable experience in understanding the cause, the movement, and where the funds are going. This knowledge stays with you long after the event, making it more valuable for everyone involved!

On the day of the Walk, sign in at the Volunteers tent. We’ll have forms there for you to document your hours.

Check with your volunteer coordinator or faculty advisor, and they can work directly with our Senior Events Manager, Brian Sharp, at bsharp@aplahealth.org.

Kids Who Care is a youth leadership program of AIDS Walk Los Angeles specifically designed for students in middle and high school. Please visit our Kids Who Care program page for more information and to check out our participating school teams this year!

If you encounter any errors during the registration or donation process, don’t worry. Take a screenshot or snap a photo of the error and text it to our staff at 213.201.9255. Include the steps you took so we can investigate and assist you promptly. Or reach out to us at aidswalkla@aplahealth.org, and we’ll make sure everything gets sorted out.

We believe in providing culturally competent care, which starts with respecting your gender and gender expression. That’s why we ask for your pronouns. We want to address you properly and show our utmost respect. If your pronouns are not listed in the registration process, please contact us at 213.201.9255 or email us at aidswalkla@aplahealth.org to let us know, and we’ll make sure to address you correctly. You matter to us!

We want to celebrate YOU and make sure everyone feels included! APLA Health values diversity, and we ask participants at AIDS Walk Los Angeles to share their identities so we can ensure our event is accessible to all. We review our community’s participation every year, and this data can help us make better decisions about how to ensure everyone feels welcome. But hey, sharing this info is completely up to you! We’ll never require it.

It takes two to tango, or in this case, to form a team! You and just one more person can create a team and rock the fundraising world together. We have teams of all sizes, from small squads to massive crews with over a hundred walkers. Companies, schools, LGBTQ+-friendly religious institutions, and good ol’ friends and family teams all jump in, some walking in memory of loved ones or supporting people with HIV/AIDS. If you decide you’re ready to take the leap into team leadership, our staff are always here guide you through the fundraising journey and keep you in the loop.

We won’t twist your arm, but let us share why it’s awesome to register every team member. We can only be loud together! Here’s why it’s worth it:

Boost our fundraising powers:

• It helps us keep track of the incredible funds we’re raising.
• We can plan and budget accordingly, ensuring we have enough amazing fundraising awards to go around.

Stay in the know:

• You’ll have all the deets on your team’s contact info and fundraising progress. No secrets!
• Team leaders, you can request a shiny spreadsheet with all your registered team data if you need information not available in your Captain account. Need to email the whole team, or track your fundraising internally? Future registrations? Piece of cake! Saving time is a win.

Fundraising doesn’t end October 13! We know life happens, and so we give a 3-week extension to get all your donations in. This year’s fundraising deadline is Friday, November 8. We calculate rankings, CCI teams, and Star Walker status based on what you’ve raised as of this date. Don’t miss it!

Make checks payable to “AIDS Walk Los Angeles.” If you’re supporting a specific walker or team, don’t forget to write their name on the check or include a separate note. This way, your donation will be credited to the right person or team and show up in their fundraising thermometer. Sending the check to the correct address is super important too!

Mail your check to:
AIDS Walk Los Angeles
611 S Kingsley Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90005

To turn in cash:
Text us at 213.201.9255, and we’ll schedule an appointment so we can properly handle your cash donation when you come in!

If you have a donation check from a donor or you’re donating via check, our staff can help you make sure it gets counted. Follow these simple steps:
 

1. Take a photo of the front of the check and email it to aidswalkla@aplahealth.org or text it to 213.201.9255. In the subject line, write “PLEASE ENTER THIS CHECK FOR ME/MY TEAM.”
2. Let us know where you want the donation to go/which thermometer should be impacted—should it be credited to a person, a team, or the event in general?
3. Don’t forget to write the same information in the memo of the check. Then, mail the check to us using the address provided above.

 
Please keep in mind that it may take up to two weeks for the check to appear in your fundraising thermometer after you’ve mailed it. If you know that a check is on its way to our offices in your name, you can inform our staff in advance. We’ll work with you to match the check to your account, ensuring that you and/or your team receive proper fundraising credit.

If you receive a donation check made out to you personally, no worries! You just need to void the check and ask for a new one made out to AIDS Walk Los Angeles. Text us at 213.201.9255, and we’ll help you sort it out.

Yes! APLA Health is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status. This means your donations are tax-deductible (since donors receive no goods or services in exchange for their donations). APLA Health’s Tax ID number is 84-1661910.

Definitely! When you donate online, regardless of the amount, we’ll send you a receipt via email. It’s essential to check your email, including the spam folder, just in case. If you can’t find the receipt, don’t worry! Reach out to our staff, and they’ll assist you in locating it. If you decide to donate with cash or a check, you can request a receipt by contacting us at 213.201.9255.

That’s a good question! In the past, AIDS Walk participants could be found collecting cash donations everywhere from bars to in front of grocery stores. This is less common today, as most people prefer to donate online and receive a tax-deductible receipt!

While it is possible someone is collecting AIDS Walk donations in public spaces, we encourage you to follow up to ensure your donations and personal information are handled responsibly. The intention behind these efforts is to help those in need, and it’s important that you are adequately informed when you make a donation! If the person (or team) is registered for AIDS Walk, you can always check our list of teams and participants online. If you have any concerns or encounter any situations that seem unsafe or unendorsed, please contact us so that we can provide you with more information and guidance.

Matching Gifts are like magical bonus donations! Some companies love to support their employees’ generous spirit by offering to match their donations. Picture this: for every dollar you donate, your company steps in and donates an equal amount. It’s a 1:1 match, which means your impact doubles instantly! So, not only do you get to make a difference with your own donation, but the matching gift takes it to a whole new level. You can also create your own mini-matches with friends or family. Ask them to match your donations up to $100, or you can match the donations made to you. Together, you’ll amplify your efforts and reach your goals faster!

Imagine being an ambassador for our cause, making an even greater impact. That’s what the Star Walkers Club is all about! When you set a fundraising goal of $1,000 or more, you become part of this exclusive group and take your commitment to the next level. As a Star Walker, you’re not just raising funds; you’re spreading awareness and education. By having more conversations, sharing your passion, and striving for a higher goal, you become an ambassador for the fight against HIV and for LGBTQ+ care. Our dedicated staff will be there to support and guide you on this special journey. When you reach the impressive milestone of $1,000 (you’re amazing!), we’ll recognize your achievement by featuring your name at our Star Walker hall of fame at the Start/Finish Line for AIDS Walk Los Angeles. You’ll also receive a special plaque award and a commemorative pin to celebrate your outstanding commitment.

That makes you an incredible advocate! Even if you didn’t officially set a goal of $1,000 or more, your exceptional fundraising efforts won’t go unnoticed. You’ll be awarded Star Walker status anyway as recognition for your outstanding advocacy. Keep up the fantastic work, and continue making a difference in the fight against HIV and for LGBTQ+ care!

Both the Scoreboard and Leaderboard are here to help you track your team’s and your own fundraising success, but with a twist!

Scoreboard: The Scoreboard showcases the Top 100 Teams, Top 100 Walkers, and Top 30 Donors. You can see team photos, logos, as well as who’s left their photo on default (let’s get creative, folks!). It’s a great way to check out who’s leading the charge!

Leaderboard: The Leaderboard is where the competition gets real! On the left, it shows all teams (even those with $0 raised) and all team members ranked by fundraising. You can quickly spot the top fundraisers on each team! On the right, it shows individuals who have raised at least $1.

Both tools keep the spirit of friendly competition alive, help you stay motivated, and give you a chance to know who in your community is supporting LGBTQ+ care. Don’t forget to congratulate and thank them for their hard work!

Fundraising award, incentive award, prizes… they are all the same! These are collectable tokens of our appreciation that vary from year to year. Awards are given to those individuals who reach certain fundraising milestones. For example, if you raise $100+, we will present you with AIDS Walk swag so you can let the world know.

We have two recognition levels this year:
$100: receive a commemorative pin
$1,000: be a Star Walker and receive a special Star Walker shirt, a star with your name on our Walk of Fame, and a keepsake plaque.

Many of our Walkers want every cent of their fundraising efforts to go towards APLA Health’s clients, and so when they register, they choose to decline their fundraising awards. When you register, please indicate if you would like to receive your awards (this includes our annual T-shirt, pin, and Star Walker awards) or if you would like to decline them. There’s no judgment on our end whichever you choose.