As San Diego’s HIV/AIDS service organizations grapple with the direct impact of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger line item veto of nearly $52 million in funding to the State Office of AIDS, the organizers of the 2009 AIDS Walk San Diego are preparing for the event with a renewed urgency and an acute awareness of its importance to local agencies.

“The state funding cuts are likely to be a devastating blow to many HIV/AIDS service programs in San Diego County. That certainly make the work AIDS Walk San Diego is doing to raise funds for local HIV/AIDS services even more important,” said Dr. Delores Jacobs, chief executive officer of the LGBT Community Center in Hillcrest. AIDS Walk San Diego is a program of The Center.

“Although AIDS Walk cannot make up the gap created by the Governor’s unconscionable blue lining, it is a clear concrete way to help,” Jacobs said. “The funds raised by Walk participants are desperately needed. And, especially this year, AIDS Walk will help us publicly demonstrate our absolute commitment to supporting all those living with HIV.”

Registrations for AIDS Walk San Diego have increased in the days following the news of the drastic budget cuts.

“I think people are shocked and still trying to figure out what the cuts mean. The most inspiring thing is that it has prompted people to register for AIDS Walk and to increase their fundraising efforts,” said Donnie Luehring, event manager for AIDS Walk San Diego.

“In spite of the economic crisis, and in the wake of these cuts, people are still coming forward every day to help. It shows that San Diegans really do care,” Luehring said. “I hope that working together we can make AIDS Walk even more successful than we anticipated. This year, we just have to do even more.”

Registration and volunteer opportunities are available at AIDSWalkSD.org. Last year, more than 16,000 people walked, helping to generate more than $550,000 to 26 San Diego area HIV/AIDS service organizations. For more information, contact Luehring at 619.291.WALK or at dluehring@aidswalksd.org.