SAN FRANCISCO — The AIDS/Lifecycle Expo at the Mission’s Armory Events Center drew over a thousand participants last weekend, with nearly two dozen community partners supporting riders and volunteer “roadies” committed to the annual, seven-day, 545-mile in early June.
“Expo is a crucial part of preparing for the ride each year,” said Gregory Sroda, Senior Director of AIDS/LifeCycle. “This event energizes participants and demonstrates that the entire community supports their efforts to raise critical funding and awareness for the life-saving, free and local prevention, support and care programs.”
In 2015, AIDS/LifeCycle raised over $16.6 million dollars to support San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV/AIDS-related services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. More participants than ever have registered and the June 2016 event is already closed to cyclists in Northern California and those living outside California. AIDS/LifeCycle is still looking for volunteer “roadies” to experience the seven-day adventure.
The space for AIDS/LifeCycle Expo was donated by the Armory Events Center, the massive former Drill Court of the National Guard Armory.
“When we heard AIDS/LifeCycle was looking for a space large enough to hold Expo, we saw an opportunity to help them reach their goal,” said Peter Acworth, owner of the Armory. “The money raised each year by AIDS/LifeCycle is critical in stopping HIV transmission and ensuring those living with HIV can live healthy futures. We were proud to help this year, and look forward to working with them in the future.”
ABOUT AIDS/LIFECYCLE AIDS/LifeCycle is a fully supported, seven-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles from June 5-11, 2016. It’s a life-changing ride—not a race—through some of California’s most beautiful countryside. AIDS/LifeCycle is coproduced by the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation and is designed to advance their shared interest to reduce new HIV infections and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV. Learn more at aidslifecycle.org.
ABOUT THE ARMORY EVENTS CENTER
The Armory Events Center is the Mission’s premier arts and entertainment venue. The massive vaulted space once served as the Drill Court for the San Francisco’s National Guard, and as a shooting location for Death Star scenes in Star Wars. After a million-dollar remodel, The Armory opened in 2013 one of San Francisco’s largest event spaces, with a capacity of nearly four thousand. It has hosted a wide variety of events, including music festivals, theatrical productions, health expos, sports competitions, fundraisers and corporate events.
