AIDS Run & Walk Chicago

Participate in the 2008 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Saturday, September 20, at Columbus and Balbo in Grant Park. Proceeds benefit the grant-making programs of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. The run starts at 9:55 a.m.; the walk at 10:00 a.m. Registration cost is $25 in advance; $30 on-site. For more information visit www.aidsrunwalk.org or call 312.334.0946. Since it was established in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has netted more than $1.3 million to battle the epidemic. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago honorary chair U.S. Congressman Danny Davis and cast members from Chicago's "Wicked" and "Jersey Boys" will be among those welcoming participants. The cast members have even formed an AIDS Run & Walk Chicago team: "Wicked Jersey Boys for Season of Concern." A jam-packed roster of performances include: Chicago's FootworKINGz, Chicago Dance Crash, DanceWorks Chicago, New York drag star Sherry Vine, Chicago Spirit Brigade, DJ Casper, the Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps (R.O.T.C. Chicago) and New Life Performance Company performing a tribute to Anthony Hollins, a South Side AIDS advocate who passed away last year. The event will also feature a Health & Fitness Village sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Patrons can sample products, get health information and judge the "Next Healthy Snack Star" competition in which Chicago-area chefs will compete to create the best snack. The competition is sponsored by The Chopping Block cooking school.