Hundreds Take a Hike for Life : Disease: Marchers in the county’s first AIDS Walk raise almost $35,000 in pledges to help a nonprofit agency. An organizer calls the turnout ‘unbelievable.’

Despite a chilly wind and damp weather, 450 people turned out Sunday morning at San Buenaventura State Beach to participate in Ventura County’s first AIDS Walk, raising nearly $35,000 in pledges for the fight against the disease.

The event brought in the most money of any fund-raiser held for the AIDS Care agency and the county’s HIV Case Management Program. The donations will be used this year to expand services for people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, those who have tested HIV-positive and their families, agency officials said.

Organizers of the walk, which was put together at the last minute, said they were impressed by the turnout and the outpouring of contributions.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Reese Welsh, executive director of AIDS Care, a nonprofit agency that provides support services to AIDS patients and family members. “We didn’t think we’d get such widespread support.”

Participants, including Ventura Mayor Greg Carson, set out shortly after 9 a.m. on the four-mile trek along the bike route from the San Buenaventura beach snack bar to Surfer’s Point and back.

One man, who only identified himself as Dennis, walked briskly along the ocean path.

He said he plans to do all he can to help with the fight against AIDS before the deadly disease robs him of his health. He said he learned last year that he has the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS.

“I’ve realized that life is short and precious,” said Dennis, 25, who collected nearly $200 in pledges for the walk. “I used to never want to get old. Now I’m bummed I won’t. I want to make the most of it.”

Several people said they decided to participate in the event because they knew people who died of AIDS.

“It’s therapeutic,” said Mark Lager, 35, who recently lost a loved one to the disease. “For me, it’s a means of working out my own grief.”

One woman said she decided to join the march because she is worried that her children could someday get the virus.

“I have a 13-year-old son and two daughters ages 6 and 3,” said Denise Salazar of Ventura. “I’m here because of them. AIDS hits all walks of life, all ages and sexes. I think people need to be more aware of what’s going on.”

Kathy Powell, pushing a baby stroller that held her 1-year-old son, said she was surprised that so many people showed up. She said she figured that Ventura County residents would show little interest in the AIDS fund-raiser.

She said she was pleased to see so many people.

“Ventura County finally believes AIDS is here,” Powell said.

Since 1990, the number of people receiving services from AIDS Care has increased from 25 to 100. In Ventura County, 222 AIDS cases have been reported, but many more people are believed to be infected with the AIDS virus. The disease has been increasing among heterosexuals, especially women.

Until Sunday, AIDS Care and the county HIV Case Management Program struggled to drum up sizable donations. About $15,000 was the most raised at previous auctions and other events.

“At times we have felt lonely,” said AIDS Care’s Welsh told a group of marchers after the walk. “But today, I don’t feel lonely anymore.”

Dan Ross, who helped organize the event, added: “For the first year of the walk, it’s outstanding.” Organizers hope to make the AIDS Walk an annual event.

Tom Pistulka, who has AIDS, told participants that without the donations to AIDS Care, many patients would not have enough money for food and clothing.

“You folks are our latest heroes,” he said.