Yesterday was a bittersweet day for State College resident Desiree Johnston.

As she stood in the State College Central Parklet alongside friend Eric Rhodes, she was ready to walk in the 10th annual 5K Red Ribbon AIDS Walk. But unlike some of the participants, many of whom were students participating with their respective greek organizations, she had a personal reason to walk throughout State College and around campus: family members and friends who have died from the disease.

Her resolution was to promote community involvement to make it more than just awareness.

"I'm tired of people saying 'awareness, awareness, awareness,' " she said, adding that people should act to fight the disease by participating in events. The AIDS Walk raised $25,523.10 for the AIDS Project.

Greek organizations, which were encouraged to attend as a part of Greek Week, raised $7,687, Community Relations Overall Chairwoman Yuqing Gao said. The greek organization that contributed the most money was Chi Upsilon Sigma sorority, which raised $370.

Overall Greek Week Chairwoman Annie Larimer said the greek community has always been involved in the AIDS Walk.

"We always partner with the AIDS Project, and this is one of the things that has always been a tradition," Larimer said. "Pretty much we are one of the biggest supporters of this event, and it's a community event."

Colleen Barron (freshman-elementary education), a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, said she participated in the event as a way to foster a relationship between greeks and the community.

"It's a good way to break the stereotype, and it's a good way for us to stay active," she said.

Lea Asbell-Swanger, co-chairwoman of the AIDS Walk, said that the greek community has been involved in the event since its origin 10 years ago and added that yesterday's event was "our best day yet, weather-wise."

"It's unfortunate HIV and AIDS increases," she said. "Most new infections are people between the ages of 18 and 24 years old."

The money will stay in Centre and Clinton counties, she added.

"The money stays here and provides for client services, but mostly for educational outreach and prevention education," she said.