Hatch Memorial Shell/in town | Boston | June 2, 2019
More than 2,100 participants walked, ran and otherwise fundraised over $520,000 at the New England’s 34th annual largest HIV/AIDS fundraising awareness event. Supermodel, actress and transgender rights activist Carmen Carrera (see story on page 47), who transitioned publicly after competing in the third season for RuPaul’s Drag Race, led the warm-up before the 5K run and spoke about her father’s passing due to HIV. The stage program created a celebratory atmosphere after the Walk, featuring up-and-coming talent in Boston, including Caramelo Latin Dance, Weird Autumn, Sarah & The Shirzans, and Shea Rose, singer, songwriter, fashion icon and curator of the RISE Music Series at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Plus Mimi the Chihuahua took home first prize in the Dog Costume Contest, including treats from Polka Dog Bakery and a day at Red Dog Pet Hotel & Spa. The Walk is approximately 4.8 miles and the 5K run is a competitive, timed event fully sanctioned by the USA Track & Field Association.