The 22nd annual Nashville AIDS Walk is proud to announce Tipper Gore and Lelan Statom as the Honorary Chairs for 2013 Nashville AIDS Walk. The event is Tennessee’s oldest continuously running AIDS fundraiser. Entering into its 22nd year, the Nashville AIDS Walk is one of the city’s highest profile events and with an expected 2,500+ participants hopes to raise over $200,000.

Throughout her many years of public service, Tipper Gore has shared her warmth, charm and infectious energy, and used her unique position and perspective to advocate on issues of mental health, homelessness, equal rights and HIV/AIDS.  In 1993, Tipper led the AIDS Walk in Washington DC, making her one of the highest ranking government official to participate in an event that specifically addressed HIV/AIDS at that time.  She said, “We will continue to walk until the last mile is reached and the cure for AIDS is found," and her participation 20 years later continues that commitment.

“The face of HIV/AIDS has evolved dramatically over the years, but the fact remains that there is still a need for the important work that organizations like Nashville CARES are doing every day. I encourage everyone to raise money and walk to support an end to AIDS,” said Gore.

Lelan Statom is an Emmy Award winning meteorologist who has been helping Mid-Southerners start their day for more than 15 years.  Since 1999, he has been part of the station's #1 rated morning newscast, NewsChannel 5 This Morning.  He is a volunteer with TN & Davidson County 4-H.  He also serves on several boards including Cornerstone Financial Credit Union, Northwest YMCA and Middle TN Boy Scouts.

“I saw firsthand what AIDS can do to a person when a high school classmate passed in the early 90s. Since then, a lot has happened with research to help people, but there's still a lot that needs to be done. I hope many people will walk to raise more dollars to help more people through AIDS research,” said Statom.

On Saturday, October 5th the Nashville community will gather for the 2013 Nashville AIDS Walk and timed 5K Run.  The event will help further Nashville CARES’ mission of offering a comprehensive and compassionate response to HIV/AIDS in Middle Tennessee.  Nashville CARES’ purpose is to educate the community for increased understanding and prevention of HIV transmission, to advocate for responsible public policy, and to provide services that improve the quality of life for people with HIV AIDS and their families.

The 2013 Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run will be held at Riverfront Park and is proudly presented by Nashville Pharmacy Services.  The “timed” 5K is a new addition to the event this year and will commence simultaneously with the walk. Registration for the event will begin at10:00 AM with the Walk/5K Run festivities kicking off at 11:00 AM. 

For additional information, or to register for the Walk/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.  If you would like to sponsor the 2013 Nashville AIDS Walk and 5K Run, please contact April Scott at ascott@nashvillecares.org or by calling 615-921-0332.