Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation Honors 35 Years of AIDSWALK Tucson

For Immediate Release: August 30, 2023

Tucson, Arizona — The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) is proud to announce the 35th annual AIDSWALK Tucson, a landmark event that continues to unite our community in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This year’s AIDSWALK Tucson, scheduled for Sunday, October 15th, marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to raising awareness, supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS, and promoting a future free from this disease. We are grateful that Desert Diamond Casinos has once again, partnered with AIDSWALK Tucson as the Title Sponsor.

Since its inception in 1989, AIDSWALK Tucson has grown into a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity. This event brings together individuals, families, local businesses, and organizations to demonstrate their unwavering support for those living with HIV/AIDS and to raise critical funds for education, prevention, and support services

Event Highlights:

  • Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023
  • Time: Registration begins at 7:00 AM
  • Location: Jácome Plaza Park

What to Expect:

Participants can look forward to a vibrant and memorable event filled with community camaraderie, inspiring stories, and a shared determination to make a difference. The 35th AIDSWALK Tucson will feature:

  • A scenic walk through the heart of Tucson, emphasizing the strides we’ve made and the work that remains to be done.
  • Educational booths offering information on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and the services provided by SAAF.
  • Live performances, guest speakers, and engaging activities for all ages.
  • Opportunities to connect with local leaders, advocates, and individuals passionate about creating an AIDS-free future.
  • End the event by witnessing the opening of the quilts during our Quilt Ceremony.

“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone of 35 years of AIDSWALK Tucson,” says Beth Frantz, Chief Executive Officer at SAAF. “Our community’s support has been instrumental in driving progress against HIV/AIDS, and we are more committed than ever to achieving our vision of a world without stigma, discrimination, or new HIV infections.

Get Involved:

You can be a part of this impactful event by registering to walk, forming a team, or supporting a participant. Every step you take and every dollar you raise helps us move forward together towards a brighter, healthier future for all.

For more information and to register for AIDSWALK Tucson 2023, please visit the link below.

Join the conversation and follow our journey on social media.

For media inquiries, please send the following to: Monique Vallery at mvallery@saaf.org
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Visit our AIDSWALK Tucson Page here

Happy Pride Month!

This Pride Month, the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) is proud to stand with and demonstrate how LGBTQ+ Americans have strengthened our country by using our talents and creativity to help create awareness and goodwill. Pride Month is dedicated to uplift LGBTQ+ voices, celebrate our diverse cultures, and support and continue the fight for all our rights!


Because of recent events geared towards all LGBTQ+ identified individuals, but especially our transgender family, so many of us have let fear, guilt, and shame keep us from following our most genuine desires. We get into the habit of erasing parts of ourselves and making our truth small…we give our power away. But, the legacy of Pride is one of bold, unapologetic, self-celebration. It’s a way of proclaiming to oneself and to the world, “I deserve to take up space on this grand planet, just as I am.”
SAAF continues to pave a path towards our future, by addressing racial inequities and health disparities that disproportionately impact communities of color and LGBTQ+ identified individuals.


Together we can continue to:

  • Ensure people living with or at-risk for HIV in our community receive compassionate professional care and prevention services.
  • Promote health equity by providing inclusive, affirming, and accessible, behavioral, medical, and prevention services.
  • Empower BIPOC, queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals to build resiliency.
  • Cultivate stronger LGBTQ+ communities through greater solidarity, collaboration, and racial equity.
  • Engage in intentional, community-wide advocacy as a tool for systemic change.


SAAF is leading a collaborative response to ensure the health, well-being, and social justice for all our community. Together, we have the power to chart a course towards a healthier and more inclusive future for everyone in Southern Arizona. You can make a positive difference with a gift to support people living with HIV/AIDS, members of our LGBTQ+ family, and other marginalized populations. Your community needs you! Join us today to build a future we can all be proud of.
Remember, PRIDE is a celebration of visibility, autonomy, equality, and self-determination. It is an assertion that we are here, despite ongoing efforts to erase us. Your gift brings us closer to achieving the goals for all Southern Arizona!

Click here to give your gift