Local, State and Nat'l News

Holly Madison, Josh Strickland, Jersey Boys, JabbaWockeeZ at AFAN’s 21st Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas

April 17, 2011

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) hosted the 21^st Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas at the World Market Center on Sunday, April 17 (Pictured above: Holly Madison, star of PEEPSHOW and “Holly’s World” – Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com).

Josh Strickland and Holly Madison (Peepshow and Holly's World) and Larry Edwards (Divas Live)

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.

The famous duo, Penn & Teller served as Grand Marshals for the tenth consecutive year and hosted the Penn & Teller Challenge as their AIDS Walk team, drawing more than 1,350 participants (of the approximately 8,500 total walkers) and so far has raised more than $140,000, not yet including Penn & Teller’s final contribution. As AFAN’s largest fundraiser of the year, proceeds will go towards assisting and educating more than 3,000 men, women and children infected with HIV and AIDS in Southern Nevada. Total money raised for this year is still being processed at this time.

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.

The annual event also drew attention and support from several Las Vegas Strip headliners and celebrities. During the opening ceremonies, special performances entertained the crowd including a thrilling hip-hop routine by crowd favorites, Jabbawockeez, and an exceptional set from the cast of Jersey Boys. PEEPSHOW star Josh Strickland formed his own team for the walk that included Holly’s World co-stars Holly Madison, Angel Porrino and Laura Croft walking by his side. Teams from Blue Man Group, Jubilee! and VEGAS! The Show also marched in support of the cause.

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.

Before kicking off the walk, host and emcee KLAS Ch. 8 news anchor Chris Saldana led the attendees through the pre-walk activities including National Anthem by VEGAS! The Show star Eric Jordan Young, multiple songs by On with the Show, Las Vegas’ one and only glee club, an exhilarating performance by the Tap Dancing Twins from the V Theater, plus music throughout by DJ Axis. Queer As Folk star Hal Sparks, a recognizable face at AIDS walks throughout the country, also got on stage to offer encouragement for the local fight.

Photo: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com.

Government officials and community leaders came out in droves to show their support for AFAN, speaking on the importance of funding and awareness for HIV/AIDS, especially in Southern Nevada. Representative Shelley Berkley, Former Senator Dina Titus, Senator Ruben Kihuen, Assemblyman David R. Parks and Las Vegas City Mayor candidate Chris Giunchigliani all addressed the crowd and showed their support for HIV/AIDS advocates and especially the work done by AFAN. Senator Harry Reid’s office also sent a representative to present a certificate of appreciation to the AFAN board of directors for all their efforts across the state of Nevada.