NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The 23rd Annual Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run is proud to announce Chris Carmack, Lisa Spencer and Paul Heggen as Honorary Chairs for this year’s event.  The Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run is Tennessee’s oldest continuously running HIV/AIDS fundraiser. It is one of the city’s highest profile events with 2,500 expected participants hoping to raise $240,000.

Carmack broke on the scene as Luke on The O.C. A decade later, he is starring in ABC’s popular prime-time drama Nashville, playing Will Lexington, a closeted gay country singer. A singer-songwriter in his own right, Carmack resides in Nashville full-time.

"It is an honor to support the important work that Nashville CARES does across Middle Tennessee,” said Carmack. “HIV/AIDS affects people every day and I encourage Tennesseans to come out and walk with us as we raise the essential funding needed to support Nashville CARES.”

Lisa Spencer and Paul Heggen are Emmy Award winning meteorologists with Channel 4’s 4WARN Weather Team. Lisa Spencer is Chief Meteorologist and was named “Best Weather Anchor” three times in Tennessee. Paul Heggen is the weekday morning meteorologist who’s won several awards for his coverage, including multiple “Best Weathercast” awards from the Associated Press.

“I started working with Nashville CARES after learning about all the incredible work they do caring for those affected by HIV/AIDS,” said Lisa Spencer. “There are still a shocking number of people living with HIV in Middle Tennessee. Nashville CARES is determined to help eliminate HIV/AIDS in our community and I am happy to be part of that effort.”

The Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run will take place on Saturday, October 4 at Public Square Park at 10:00 am. The event raises money to help Nashville CARES accomplish their mission of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee. Nashville CARES works to achieve this through education, advocacy and support for those at risk for or living with HIV.

The Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run is proudly presented by NPS Pharmacy.  The event includes a community and business fair, as well as a timed 5K that will start simultaneously with the walk.  Registration for the event will begin at 10:00 am with the Walk and 5K Run kicking off at 11:00 am.

“Funds raised help Nashville CARES in our efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee," said Chief Development Officer Patrick Hamilton. "Each year we provide services to over 60,000 individuals. The Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run is a critical component in raising much needed funds for the agency, but is also a great opportunity to educate the broader community about HIV and to reduce stigma around the disease.

For additional information, or to register for the Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run, please visit www.NashvilleAIDSWalk.com or call 615-259-4866.  Nashville CARES relies on support from the local community to provide services for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.  For sponsorship information, please contact Betsy Seaton at bseaton@NashvilleCARES.org or by calling 615-259-4866 ext. 263.

About Nashville CARES: 

Nashville CARES is Tennessee’s largest HIV/AIDS organization.  Nashville CARES offers services annually to more than 60,000 Middle Tennesseans infected and affected by HIV/AIDS including: HIV prevention education to over 45,000 youth and adults, 13,000 FREE confidential HIV tests, and support services to 2,500 men, women and children living with the disease.  To learn more, visit us on the web at www.NashvilleCARES.org and “Like” us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NashCARES.