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In a historic and heartfelt moment for Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ and HIV advocacy communities, Action Wellness has officially announced the retirement of AIDS Walk Philly—a beloved and transformative event that, for nearly four decades, served as a symbol of resilience, unity, and activism in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
First launched in 1987, when the HIV/AIDS crisis was still claiming lives at an alarming rate and stigma ran rampant, AIDS Walk Philly was more than just a fundraiser. It was a protest, a call to action, and a safe space for thousands to come together in solidarity. That inaugural walk, organized by volunteers from Penguin Place (now known as the William Way LGBT Community Center), raised $33,000—setting into motion a community tradition that would go on to raise over $18.5 million to support life-saving services.
Now, as the walk comes to a close, the community is invited to come together once more—not to take steps through the streets of Philadelphia, but to step back in time and reflect on the walk’s profound legacy.
AIDS Walk Philly Retrospective: A Celebration of Legacy
On Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Action Wellness will partner with the William Way LGBT Community Center to host a special retrospective event at the Center’s location at 1315 Spruce Street. This event will pay homage to the AIDS Walk’s incredible history and the people who made it possible—from volunteers and walkers to organizers and loved ones lost to the epidemic.
The retrospective will feature:
– Curated exhibits showcasing photographs, gear, and memorabilia from past walks
– Guided tours led by William Way staff
– A guest book for attendees to share their memories
– Light refreshments for all who attend
Attendees are encouraged to wear their vintage AIDS Walk Philly t-shirts or red attire in solidarity. A suggested donation of $25 will benefit both Action Wellness and William Way, supporting ongoing services for individuals living with or at risk of HIV, as well as broader LGBTQIA+ cultural and community programming.
Why Now? The Changing Landscape of HIV Advocacy
The decision to retire AIDS Walk Philly was not made lightly. It follows the closure of the AIDS Fund in 2024 and reflects broader shifts in HIV funding, public awareness, and community engagement. While treatments have improved dramatically and HIV is now a manageable condition for many, the fight is far from over—especially for marginalized communities that continue to face disproportionate impacts.
Mary Evelyn Torres, Executive Director of Action Wellness, shared, “We are incredibly proud to have been part of the impact that AIDS Walk Philly has had over the years in raising awareness and supporting individuals living with HIV. The commitment from participants, sponsors, and volunteers has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Former AIDS Fund Director Robb Reichard added, “We must all be thankful for the incredible advances in HIV prevention, care, and treatment that have brought us to this point. As we continue to strive toward the ultimate goal of getting to zero, I hope the community will find other ways to support people living with HIV and honor the memory of those we’ve lost.”
This moment marks both an end and a beginning. As we celebrate the walk’s legacy, we’re reminded of the power of community, advocacy, and remembrance.
William Way: Coming Full Circle
The choice of William Way as the host for this event is not just symbolic—it’s deeply rooted in the history of the AIDS Walk itself. It was volunteers from Penguin Place, the precursor to William Way, who founded the very first walk. Now, nearly 40 years later, the circle closes where it all began.
Darius McLean, Ed.D., Acting Executive Director of William Way, summed it up perfectly: “This is a full-circle moment. The evolution of a particular event has come to its natural conclusion, but the intersection of the work and mission of Action Wellness and William Way continues to be as important today as it has ever been.”
The Center, which has long served as an archival and cultural hub for Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA+ community, will display artifacts, host guests, and preserve the memory of AIDS Walk Philly for future generations.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy that Lives On
While the walk itself may no longer continue, its impact is far from over. Action Wellness remains deeply committed to serving over 2,000 individuals annually with medical case management, housing support, perinatal care, and more. Events like GayBINGO!, Black-Tie GayBINGO!, and Dining Out For Life will continue to raise funds and awareness for those living with and affected by HIV.
This final celebration isn’t a goodbye—it’s a thank you. A thank you to every marcher, every donor, every volunteer, and every person who showed up to fight. It’s a call to remember, to reflect, and to renew our shared commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community in all its beautiful, complex resilience.
As we gather on October 19th, we carry the memory of AIDS Walk Philly in our hearts, and we walk forward—together.
For more information or to RSVP for the retrospective, visit:
actionwellness.org/special-events
First launched in 1987, when the HIV/AIDS crisis was still claiming lives at an alarming rate and stigma ran rampant, AIDS Walk Philly was more than just a fundraiser. It was a protest, a call to action, and a safe space for thousands to come together in solidarity. That inaugural walk, organized by volunteers from Penguin Place (now known as the William Way LGBT Community Center), raised $33,000—setting into motion a community tradition that would go on to raise over $18.5 million to support life-saving services.
Now, as the walk comes to a close, the community is invited to come together once more—not to take steps through the streets of Philadelphia, but to step back in time and reflect on the walk’s profound legacy.
AIDS Walk Philly Retrospective: A Celebration of Legacy
On Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, Action Wellness will partner with the William Way LGBT Community Center to host a special retrospective event at the Center’s location at 1315 Spruce Street. This event will pay homage to the AIDS Walk’s incredible history and the people who made it possible—from volunteers and walkers to organizers and loved ones lost to the epidemic.
The retrospective will feature:
– Curated exhibits showcasing photographs, gear, and memorabilia from past walks
– Guided tours led by William Way staff
– A guest book for attendees to share their memories
– Light refreshments for all who attend
Attendees are encouraged to wear their vintage AIDS Walk Philly t-shirts or red attire in solidarity. A suggested donation of $25 will benefit both Action Wellness and William Way, supporting ongoing services for individuals living with or at risk of HIV, as well as broader LGBTQIA+ cultural and community programming.
Why Now? The Changing Landscape of HIV Advocacy
The decision to retire AIDS Walk Philly was not made lightly. It follows the closure of the AIDS Fund in 2024 and reflects broader shifts in HIV funding, public awareness, and community engagement. While treatments have improved dramatically and HIV is now a manageable condition for many, the fight is far from over—especially for marginalized communities that continue to face disproportionate impacts.
Mary Evelyn Torres, Executive Director of Action Wellness, shared, “We are incredibly proud to have been part of the impact that AIDS Walk Philly has had over the years in raising awareness and supporting individuals living with HIV. The commitment from participants, sponsors, and volunteers has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Former AIDS Fund Director Robb Reichard added, “We must all be thankful for the incredible advances in HIV prevention, care, and treatment that have brought us to this point. As we continue to strive toward the ultimate goal of getting to zero, I hope the community will find other ways to support people living with HIV and honor the memory of those we’ve lost.”
This moment marks both an end and a beginning. As we celebrate the walk’s legacy, we’re reminded of the power of community, advocacy, and remembrance.
William Way: Coming Full Circle
The choice of William Way as the host for this event is not just symbolic—it’s deeply rooted in the history of the AIDS Walk itself. It was volunteers from Penguin Place, the precursor to William Way, who founded the very first walk. Now, nearly 40 years later, the circle closes where it all began.
Darius McLean, Ed.D., Acting Executive Director of William Way, summed it up perfectly: “This is a full-circle moment. The evolution of a particular event has come to its natural conclusion, but the intersection of the work and mission of Action Wellness and William Way continues to be as important today as it has ever been.”
The Center, which has long served as an archival and cultural hub for Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA+ community, will display artifacts, host guests, and preserve the memory of AIDS Walk Philly for future generations.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy that Lives On
While the walk itself may no longer continue, its impact is far from over. Action Wellness remains deeply committed to serving over 2,000 individuals annually with medical case management, housing support, perinatal care, and more. Events like GayBINGO!, Black-Tie GayBINGO!, and Dining Out For Life will continue to raise funds and awareness for those living with and affected by HIV.
This final celebration isn’t a goodbye—it’s a thank you. A thank you to every marcher, every donor, every volunteer, and every person who showed up to fight. It’s a call to remember, to reflect, and to renew our shared commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community in all its beautiful, complex resilience.
As we gather on October 19th, we carry the memory of AIDS Walk Philly in our hearts, and we walk forward—together.
For more information or to RSVP for the retrospective, visit:
actionwellness.org/special-events
