Cempa Community Care's 24th Annual Strides of March is set for Saturday, March 23. The event will be held at Renaissance Park from noon-2 p.m., featuring a memorial walk at 1 p.m.
"The first Strides of March was held on March 24, 1996 at a time where Chattanooga, and the world, was facing a new and unknown virus," officials said. "Through medical advancements and the hard work of community advocates, much has changed. The focus of Strides of March is to remember those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS, yet celebrate the many strides made in the battle against this epidemic.
"The afternoon celebration will be filled with music provided by D J M C P R O.
Heaven & Ale will be offering some of their amazing ales, and Dem Boys will be serving up some New Orlean’s style Po Boys."
“Strides of March has long been a staple of our organization,” said Shannon Stephenson, Cempa’s CEO. “It’s a chance for our community to come together in support of those impacted by HIV.”
The title sponsor of this year’s Strides of March is NPS, and the event is presented by Curant. Strides of March is sponsored by CVS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN Community Trust, First TN Foundation, Chambliss Law, EPB and Erlanger, as well as the Chattanooga Times Free Press.