Hudson Valley AIDS Walk to mark 20 years

The Hudson Valley AIDS Walk will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 5 on the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Celebrating its 20th year, the event started in 1992 and was originally held in White Plains, moving to Poughkeepsie in 2004.

More than 6,200 Hudson Valley residents live with HIV/AIDS, according to the latest estimates.

Funds raised from the event will be used to support programs of the nonprofit ARCS, like food pantries, client emergency fund and HIV prevention programs.

Cynthia Wynkoop, a Rondout Valley teacher, feels the support the AIDS Walk brings to the community is important. "Since funding continues to be an issue, it has never been more important to support our community and our neighbors. I am happy to do my part for the AIDS walk so that important support and programs can continue," she said in a release.

The May 5 event will feature music by Superior Sounds, a Zumba warm-up, free snacks, water from Stop and Shop, Starbucks coffee, a community health fair and a massage booth.

A party will be held at 1 p.m. at the Brown Derby, 96 Main St., where there will be a live performance by Jason Gisser.

Participants are asked to collect $20 donations from friends and family. The goal is to raise $100,000 at the walk.

Registration will be held at the Poughkeepsie approach or the Hudson Valley Rail Trail at the Highland entrance. To sign up online, visit www.firstgiving.com/ARCS or call 914-785-8283.