UCSF has participated in AIDS Walk San Francisco since its inception in 1987. On average, UCSF has raised anywhere from $50k to $200k annually for this event.
AIDS Walk means a lot to the UCSF community. Many of the team leaders have been participating for years, some even passing a decade of connection to AIDS Walk. Jen Dowd-Kim, associate director of Conference Services, Arts and Events, and Retail shared that it is one of her favorites. “To me, it's better than Christmas. You're with your colleagues and like-minded people raising money for a great cause.” Jen is a longtime member of the UCSF AIDS Walk steering committee as as well the team captain for the CLS team (#1420). Not to mention a considerable contender for the AIDS Walk Best Dressed competition. She will opt out of the competition to give others a chance to win ;)
The tradition of UCSF's participation in the AIDS Walk runs deep and has become a reunion of sorts "with some of the best people at UCSF," also being loyal AIDS Walk participants who see each other each year at the walk. In the last couple of years, about 75 people have walked with the UCSF teams. However, before the pandemic, those numbers were closer to 200. Can we get back to those impressive numbers? We think so!
The CLS Fundraising Challenge
The CLS challenge is simple–sign up to walk, make a contribution, and show up to walk with your teammates! Our goal is to have at least 75 CLS walkers and raise at least $5,000.
Day of the walk, meet at the UCSF tent on Robin Williams Meadow to receive your FREE UCSF AIDS Walk t-shirt and an Arts and Events giveaway. FREE breakfast will be provided by the walk (it is usually a full breakfast with eggs, bacon, bagels, fruit, juice, coffee, and champagne). After the walk, return to the UCSF tent to celebrate your triumph with your teammate and enjoy a FREE catered brown bag lunch!
The Prizes
To qualify for the challenge, you must join the UCSF Campus Life Services team when registering and show up to walk. Bring your ID for proper capturing.
The fine print: CLS walkers should bring their UCSF badge to the walk to register at the UCSF table via the “Who’s There” app.
The top fundraising team will be determined by the total amount raised by the team divided by the total number of walkers on that team who participated on the day of the walk (highest average).
Family and friends are welcome to join the CLS team; however, their fundraising amount will NOT be included in the contest fundraising total.
The fundraising total will be calculated via the official AIDS Walk office. The office provides a list of all walkers with fundraising totals approximately three weeks after the walk.
Top Fundraising Team - Programs and Services led by Pam Su
The Prizes – besides bragging rights
- A Trophy to proudly display in your office
- A pizza party for your AIDS Walk Walkers
- An activity hosted by Arts and Events, ex. Paint Nite, Paint & Plant
Top Individual Fundraiser - Emina Seremet
This is the person who gets the most individual donations, meaning they reach out to the most people for donations.
- A Trophy to proudly display at your desk
- An Arts and Events Jacket or Vest to wear with pride!
Most Individual Donations - Annika Lee and Amy Fazio
- A Trophy to proudly display at your desk
- An Arts and Events Jacket or Vest to wear with pride!
Best Dressed Individual - Colette Ono-Ko and her son
- Prize: bedazzled ”best dressed” sash
- Photo feature in the Making Life Better Letter
- This prize will be decided day of the event by the Arts and Event team! It will be good!
Best Dressed/Theme Team - Arts and Events
This is the CLS department that coordinates the funniest or craziest costumes worn by multiple people.
- Prize: Fun Beaded Necklace
- Photo feature in the Making Life Better Letter
- This prize will be decided day of the event by the Arts and Event team!
Register to join the challenge, support research, and walk with your CLS and UCSF community. When registering be sure to join the UCSF Campus Life Services team #1420.
Reach out to Jen or Amy if you have questions:
Jen Dowd-Kim – CLS Team Captain: jennifer.dowd@ucsf.edu
Amy Fazio –CLS Team Co-Captain: amy.fazio@ucsf.edu
Updated May 2025 with challenge winners' names.
