Thousands of people will gather at South Beach Park on Fort Lauderdale Beach to raise awareness and money in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Florida on Sunday, March 30.

This year’s Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival will feature a performance by the Go-Go’s! Elvis Duran, host of the syndicated radio show, Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, will bring Bethany, Alex and Uncle Johnny from his popular program and head to the beach.

With less than two weeks two go before the big event, people can still register online (http://bit.ly/1izXied).

Participants can arrive on the day of the event and register at the beach, but they’re encouraged to register beforehand to save time and effort.

The 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m. As in years past, participants are encouraged to wear t-shirts and costumes to honor those living with HIV/AIDS. There are some new changes added this year as well.

“Because people tend to get hot and tired faster than I expected, I’ve added large shade-tents and misting machines to keep participants comfortable and cool,” says Mark Martin, regional director, community relations and development for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

Martin would like to raise $800,000 this year. He hopes the beach will be full of walkers on March 30.

“Every person that attends is one more person who can learn a bit more about this community, contribute to the cause, and even be tested for HIV if they so desire. The money we raise on this event stays right here in Florida to give to Floridians living with HIV/AIDS, so I encourage people to come out and support their own!” Martin said.

One-hundred percent of the funds from the event stay in Florida and will benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, AHF Northpoint Medical Center, Broward House, the Pride Center at Equality Park, SunServe and the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center.

So far, fundraising efforts are off to a good start. Thirty-three more participants are registered than they were at this point last year.

Power walkers (those raising more than $1,000) will be eligible to win a brand new Vespa.

Visit FloridaAIDSWalk.org for more information.

Top Fundraising Teams & Individuals (So Far)

Teams
Team Club Us - $62,070
SunServe - $28,963
Happy Hiney's - $10,569
Latinos Salud - $7,220
Sunshine Cathedral MCC - $7,126
Team Broward House - $6,616
The Pride Center at Equality Park - $6,410
American Express PRIDE & Friends - $6,065
Team AHF - Southern Bureau HQ - $5,635
Alibi/Bill's/PrideFactory - $4,920

Individuals
Michael Hisey — $20,600
Mark Ketcham — $6,260
William Bedwell — $4,755
Richard Gould — $4,675
Rocky and Don Slonaker — $3,366
Keith Myers Lovett Taylor — $3,225
Scott Galvin — $3,210
Roger Hicks — $3,144
Michael Kahane — $3,000
Bryan Wilson — $2,585