The decision to sunset the beloved event, following the closure of the AIDS Fund in 2024, was made after careful consideration of rising costs, limited resources, and the evolving landscape of HIV awareness and funding. To honor the profound legacy of the AIDS Walk Philly and the AIDS Fund, Action Wellness will collaborate with the William Way LGBT Community Center (1315 Spruce Street) for a special AIDS Walk Philly Retrospective on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
A Difficult Decision, A Lasting Impact
Action Wellness acknowledges the immense community spirit and vital fundraising the AIDS Walk Philly generated year after year. "We are incredibly proud to have been part of the impact that AIDS Walk Philly has had over the years in raising awareness and supporting individuals living with HIV,” said Action Wellness Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres. “The commitment from participants, sponsors, and volunteers has been nothing short of inspiring. While we are sad to see this tradition come to a close, we look forward to continuing the work and honor the spirit of the Walk as we serve the community in other ways.”
Former AIDS Fund Director Robb Reichard also reflected on the journey: "We must all be thankful for the incredible advances in HIV prevention, care, and treatment that have brought us to this point. As we continue to strive towards the ultimate goal of getting to zero, I hope that the community will find other ways to support people living with HIV disease and honor the memory of those we’ve lost to the epidemic."
From Humble Beginnings: The History of AIDS Walk Philly
The first AIDS Walk was organized in 1987 by volunteers from Philadelphia’s gay and lesbian community center, then known as Penguin Place (now the William Way LGBT Community Center). That inaugural event, which raised $33,000, marked the beginning of what would become the region’s largest annual HIV/AIDS public awareness and fundraising event. Over nearly 40 years, tens of thousands of walkers united, collectively raising an astounding $18.5 million to support critical HIV services.
It is fitting that the retrospective celebration returns to its roots at the William Way LGBT Community Center, the direct successor to Penguin Place and a cornerstone for preserving Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ history. "When Action Wellness approached us about partnering on an event to commemorate the AIDS Walk Philly we immediately knew it was a 'yes' for us," said William Way LGBT Community Center Acting Executive Director Darius McLean, Ed.D. "This is a full circle moment where the evolution of a particular event itself has come to its natural conclusion but the intersection of the work and mission of Action Wellness and William Way continues to be as important today as it has ever been."
Join the Legacy: AIDS Walk Philly Retrospective Fundraiser
All are invited to attend the AIDS Walk Philly Retrospective at the William Way LGBT Community Center on Sunday, October 19th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event is especially for past participants, donors, volunteers, and anyone involved in the Walk over the years. Attendees are encouraged to wear their past AIDS Walk Philly gear or red in solidarity.
The retrospective will feature an assortment of curated items on display, with guided tours provided every 20 minutes by William Way staff. Guests can sign an event guest book to share their memories and enjoy light refreshments. An RSVP is requested by Thursday, October 16th, and a suggested donation of $25 is highly encouraged.
All funds raised from the retrospective will be split between Action Wellness and William Way. These funds will support individuals with HIV or those at high risk of acquiring HIV, as well as diverse LGBTQIA+ communities in the greater Philadelphia area through arts and culture, empowerment, and community connections. Past supporters of AIDS Walk Philly are encouraged to continue their support for Action Wellness through its ongoing fundraising events: GayBINGO!, Black-Tie GayBINGO!, and Dining Out For Life.
For more information about the final celebration and to learn about ongoing efforts in the fight against HIV, please visit the Action Wellness website or contact Kevin Vuernick at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
ABOUT ACTION WELLNESS
Action Wellness is dedicated to enhancing the lives of persons with HIV and those at high risk of acquiring HIV. The organization provides a comprehensive range of trauma-informed social services, including medical case management, perinatal care, prison outreach programs, housing assistance, and Buddy services. Annually, Action Wellness serves over 2,000 clients and their families through the dedicated efforts of over 150 volunteers and 80 professional staff across five office locations in Philadelphia, Bucks, and Delaware Counties. All programs are open to all people, regardless of their ability to pay.
ABOUT WILLIAM WAY LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER
Since 1976, the William Way LGBT Community Center has been a vital resource and hub for the LGBTQIA+ community. The Center provides a welcoming space for visitors and friends to forge alliances, share confidences, engage in new activities, and learn about LGBTQ+ culture and history. Amenities include a 14,000-volume lending library, a world-class LGBTQ+ history archives, a public art and exhibition space, and multiple community meeting spaces. Every member of the community is invited to explore the Center and all it has to offer.
