09: The First Steps of the Minnesota AIDS Walk

The Minnesota AIDS Walk is now a well-established event that draws the largest number of participants for any HIV fundraiser in the state. However, like most things in life, the AIDSWalk continues to evolve and respond to growing needs over the years. The inspiration for the Walk came in January of 1987 when Pete Bissonette lost a friend to AIDS, just 34 days after diagnosis. Searching for a way to help and make a difference, Pete spoke with his friend’s doctor, Scott Strickland about how to help. “Scott Strickland suggested that I contact the Minnesota AIDS Project,” says Bissonette. “He thought MAP was a viable and strong AIDS service agency and one that would wisely use any money raised.”

Pete began to work with the development director at MAP to determine what type of event would fit the needs and interests of those here in Minnesota. They settled upon an AIDS Walk to raise awareness as well as funds for MAP. “I was really motivated to make this event successful. I had just watched my friend pass away so quickly after diagnosis and so many others were sick. My friend was 'number 127', back when there were so few cases that patients knew how many others had been diagnosed in Minnesota,” said Bissonette.

At that time, stigma was a powerful force and simply saying the word AIDS pushed some away. Pete recalls a story of deciding to not use AIDS as part of the name. The Walk was initially titled ‘From All Walks of Life,’ and when people in his office building would ask about a button with the name during elevator rides, Pete’s explanation would typically result in people taking two steps further away.

A core volunteer group of 8-12 dedicated individuals scouted locations and began to seek support for a ground breaking event. The group wanted a spot that was fun and pleasant, a volunteer had known of the Minnehaha Park location and thought it would be a great fit. Following several visits to walk the route, the location was set. Volunteer teams went to nearby neighbors to see about placing balloons, banners, or other decorations to raise awareness and were surprised at how many put them up. The event brought together people impacted by HIV along with others in the community that wanted to help during a time when so much was unknown.

As the 21st annual Minnesota AIDS Walk approaches, we recognize and thank those early advocates who took it upon themselves to make a difference in our community.

Despite the obstacles, that first Walk, put together with a small volunteer team that used personal outreach to GLBT groups, gay bars, word of mouth, and the then-local GLBT GAZE magazine drew in 1,200 participants and raised $116,000 to support HIV programming.

The work of those amazing volunteers that year really did change the world. Since 1988, more than $9 million dollars has been raised to support HIV education, advocacy and services in Minnesota. As the 21st annual Minnesota AIDS Walk approaches, we recognize and thank those early advocates who took it upon themselves to make a difference in our community. Their vision and dedication allow walkers of today to do so in a more tolerant and understanding world while helping thousands of Minnesotans who’ve been touched by HIV in the last two decades.

To find out more, please visit our Minnesota AIDS Walk site.

Last Updated: Friday, May 2, 2008
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