AIDS Walk Merging With Larger Group

AIDS Walk Orange County, which has raised more than $2.2 million in its 10-year history, will merge with the larger AIDS Service Foundation of Orange County to save on overhead costs, officials from both nonprofit agencies said Wednesday.

The merger, effective Sept. 30, is expected to reduce operating costs and increase revenue of AIDS Walk, which raised $355,000 this year, officials said.

“The problem was that you had an organization that was essentially functioning 365 days a year for the one day they had the event,” said Priscilla Munro, executive director of AIDS Service Foundation.

“It was a successful event, but over the last three years they saw declining revenues,” Munro said. “So they looked to a partner with a larger organization that could absorb costs more efficiently and be in a position to raise funds more efficiently.”

AIDS Walk staff members had approached foundation officials several months ago with the idea, based on the agency’s successful fund-raising record, said AIDS Walk executive director Joann Ruden. Although the AIDS Walk’s three employees will lose their jobs, Ruden said she believes the merger ultimately will be a greater benefit for AIDS patients.

“I think it’s an excellent move that will work out for the best,” Ruden said. “This will save resources and so more funds can be directed toward those in need.”

AIDS Services Foundation, which was formed in 1985, provides food, transportation, housing, support groups, mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance, education, home health care and other programs to Orange County patients with AIDS and HIV.