HOW WALKERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE: AMY'S STORY

• Year 7 with the Walk (started in 2004)
• 2010 goal: $2,000
• Total raised from 2004 - 2009: more than $11,000

What motivates you to walk?

Team Jessica started in 2002. At the time it was small with family and friends of Jessica. It was important for us to do something as we had just found out earlier that year she had been infected with HIV. Jessica is my niece, so it was personal, for me and all the rest of the family on both sides. We come out every year, bringing new people too.

The HIV awareness our team raises is amazing. We talk to others and the information gets passed on. When they hear you know someone personally and that they live a great life, this seems to surprise them at first. They ask many questions and we answer them. We can teach others because Jessica is a great teacher. Her openness about HIV helps others to be open. Family and friends of Jessica stand proud to speak out and show our support for her and everyone else.

Our team is based on passion and our #1 reason is to show support for Jessica. While we have brought in great amounts of money, the awareness our team has raised through personal conversations is something you can’t put a price tag on.

What are your fundraising scoops and secrets?

Most of my fundraising comes through my husband contacting companies he deals with. Some members of Team Jessica raise money by having euchre games, raffles, garage sales, fun charity events, or collecting tips from their jobs. Our team shirt was designed and made by one of our team walkers and the profits were donated back to the Walk.

Anything you'd like to add?

I love the fact that even if you can’t raise any money we want you to come out. We have many people on our team do just that, or some come with five dollars. It’s nice to have people just come to be involved.