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Hundreds turn out for AIDS Walk Delaware in Rehoboth

39th annual event helps raise money to support a statewide network of HIV service providers
Hundreds of people participate Sept. 20 in the 39th annual AIDS Walk Delaware that started at the Bandstand in Rehoboth Beach. Shown with the flag is Kairi Solt. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
September 26, 2025

Story Location:
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States

AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium hosted the 39th annual AIDS Walk Delaware at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand Sept. 20, when hundreds of people participated in the state’s oldest walk.

The 2.2-mile walk is the largest HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness event in Delaware, with proceeds supporting free, rapid HIV testing; medical case management; mental health counseling; HIV/PrEP education and prevention services; housing and transportation assistance; and more.

Due to recent federal, state and local funding cuts, AIDS Delaware faces serious challenges to providing access to essential HIV services across the state. According to AIDS Delaware, there are 4,116 residents living with HIV in Delaware, and transmission rates are rising. There have already been 71 new diagnoses this year.

Funds raised through AIDS Walk Delaware support a statewide network of HIV service providers, including All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, CAMP Rehoboth, Ministry of Caring and the William J. Holloway Community Program. 

For more information, go to AIDSWalkDelaware.org or contact Mercades Allison at mallison@aidsdelaware.org or 302-652-6776.

Anne Smith signs the banner for participants to write the names of people for whom they’re walking.
Walk participant Tony Forrest gets a flu shot from Ivira Health pharmacist Randy Schaap.
AIDS Delaware case manager Amber Graham talks about how HIV and AIDS affect people of all walks of life.
Tyler Berl, Delaware HIV Consortium executive director, serves as the event’s emcee. DJ Nan Martino helps hold down his notes.
Kori Beaman, Delaware HIV Consortium director of HIV care services, holds her 6-month-old daughter Zari Cheatham.
Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills says he’s proud of Rehoboth’s support for the cause.
Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach, says it’s more important than ever for individuals to support the HIV and AIDS community.
A segment of the AIDS Quilt is secured to the steps of the Bandstand to serve as a reminder of those who have died because of AIDS.
Walk participants line up on Rehoboth Avenue.
Tamia Mykles, left, and Jay-Xaevier Johnson hand out carnations to walk participants.
Spoken word artist Michael Williamson recites his poem “Today We Walked.”

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Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.

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