Aunt Rita’s Foundation will host the annual AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run on Saturday, March 22, at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix.

The event, presented by Phoenix Fast-Track Cities, seeks to unite the community in the fight to end HIV and AIDS in Arizona. It is the state’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraising event with all net proceeds benefiting Aunt Rita’s Foundation 2025 partner agencies.

Those agencies are CAN Community Health, Chicanos Por La Causa, Ebony House, Mountain Park Health, Northland Cares, one n ten, Phoenix Children’s Hospital Bill Holt Pediatric HIV Clinic, Prisma Community Care, Southwest Recovery Alliance, Terros Health, University of Arizona Foundation’s Mobile Health Program, and Valleywise Health.

“AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run is a vital event that not only raises funds but also raises awareness, fosters community, and strengthens our collective fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Stacey Jay Cavaliere, executive director of Aunt Rita’s Foundation.

More than 18,000 individuals are living with HIV statewide. New infections persist, particularly among marginalized communities, highlighting the need for continued education, testing, and access to treatment, event organizers said in a press release.

Honorary co-chairs include Elijah Ihrke, Youth Advocate; Dana Burns, executive director of A Permanent Voice; and Mitch Menchaca, director of the city of Phoenix Arts and Culture Department. Maddie Van Reis, a queer radio host, community advocate and Phoenix native known for her work on HOT 97.5 & 103.9’s Maddie in the Morning, will host the event.

Additional sponsors supporting the event to date include Sonora Quest Laboratories, Gilead Sciences, ADP, Walgreens, ViiV Healthcare, Charles Schwab, Chubb Insurance, Sahara Behavioral Health, Be Well Family Care, Early Warning Systems, Spectrum Medical, Voya Financial, Genoa Healthcare, Pride Guide Arizona, the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce, Constellation Brands, Prisma Community Care, and Phoenix Pride.

Participants (and their four-legged friends) can register for the walk or run, create teams, and donate at AIDSWALKAZ.org.