Justin Vernon will serve as Honorary Chair of the 2009 AIDS Walk Wisconsin.

Additionally, Vernon will perform and address an expected crowd of over 5,000 walkers at the opening ceremony of AIDS Walk Wisconsin on Sunday, October 11 at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee. During the summer, Vernon will also promote registration and fundraising activities for AIDS Walk Wisconsin.

“The enthusiasm for Bon Iver and the passion he brings to the fight against AIDS are a tremendous help as we raise funds to assure health care for all HIV patients, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Doug Nelson, President and CEO of the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) which produces AIDS Walk Wisconsin. “This is an AIDS Walk you won’t want to miss.”

This year marks the 20th annual AIDS Walk Wisconsin which is expected to surpass a total of $10 million raised since its inception to support AIDS prevention, care and treatment services in the state.  A major beneficiary of AIDS Walk Wisconsin is the ARCW Medical Center, the state’s largest provider of HIV medical, dental and mental health care services.

Register early for the AIDS Walk at its website aidswalkwis.org or by calling 1-800-348 WALK.