Thousands take part in 23rd annual AIDS Walk Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Thousands of people headed to the lakefront to participate in the 23rd annual AIDS Walk Wisconsin Saturday morning, October 5th.

AIDS affects more than 6,500 people in Wisconsin -- and 1,700 more don't even know they have it.

"A lot of the times we think of AIDS as being a big city disease, but we have 72 counties in Wisconsin and HIV is in all 72 counties," said Stephanie Klett, AIDS Walk Honorary Chair and Wisconsin Secretary of the Department of Tourism.

Organizers of the event set a lofty goal, hoping to raise over a quarter of a million dollars to fund local programs and services. The final tally was $340,000.

FOX6's Kim Murphy was one of the emcees for the event.