About 2,000 walkers, ranging from elementary students to retired residents, will team up Sunday for the fourth annual 5K Red Ribbon AIDS Walk to raise money for The AIDS Project.

Penn State President Graham Spanier and his wife Sandra are the honorary co-chairs of the walk, which will begin at 1 p.m. in Central Parklet.

The walk benefits Centre and Clinton counties, assisting local residents infected with HIV or AIDS. Part of the money raised will also fund AIDS-prevention education, testing and counseling in the area.

AIDS Project volunteers have invited businesses, religious groups, service organizations and individuals to organize teams to walk the course, which loops around Beaver Stadium before returning to Central Parklet.

John Gallo, overall coordinator of the walk, predicts that a large number of Penn State students will participate in the event, which serves as the grand finale of Spring Weekend. Spring Weekend, sponsored by the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council, is an event in which organizations participate in various activities. The walk ends a series of HIV and AIDS workshops and events held earlier this week, including a presentation by former Miss America Kate Shindle.

Maria Pena, assistant director of The AIDS Project, emphasized that the project is a local event, benefiting the immediate community. There are various other walks that can be found in surrounding areas, but The AIDS Project is a regional fundraiser, not a national event.

The United Way Member Agency, which has set this year's fundraising goal at $70,000, sponsors The AIDS Project. Half of United Way's budget comes from donations and local fundraising. The organization provides services for events such as the AIDS Walk by shouldering expenses that sponsoring groups, such as The AIDS Project, cannot afford.

Registration for The AIDS Walk begins at noon in a tent in Central Parklet. Gifts and prizes will be awarded to the participant who raises the most money, but the goal of the walk is to spread awareness.

"The main benefit is helping The AIDS Project continue to provide services to the community," said Jennifer Doebler, a student organizer for the walk.