45,000 Expected For AIDS Walk NY

Today is the 24th annual AIDS Walk New York, which benefits the Gay Men's Health Crisis and over 50 other AIDS service programs. This year's fundraiser is expected to have 45,000 participants. Last year, the over $7 million was raised and, since 1986, the event has raised over $100 million to benefit HIV programs and services in the tri-state area. The event kicks off in Central Park at 10 a.m. (with plenty of entertainment before) and walkers will travel 6.2 miles around Manhattan. Which also means there are street closures along the route (Central Park's exit at 72nd Street & Central Park West; Central Park West to 110th Street; 110th Street to Riverside Drive; Riverside Drive to 74th Street; 74th Street to Central Park West). A post-walk rally for gay marriage equality is also scheduled in Times Square, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.