With blue skies overhead and a crisp autumn breeze occasionally blowing through, the 2018 Ron Johnson Red Ribbon Run & AIDS Walk on November 17 drew over 250 Triad Health Project supporters to a section of downtown Greensboro affectionately known as the “lo-fi corner.” Joymongers Brewing Company was the kickoff location for the second year in a row. Click here to view photos from this year’s run/walk.

Host Monasia Baker and DJ KC Ferguson from radio station 102Jamz kicked of the opening ceremonies with a warm welcome and music to energize the crowd. The Red Ribbon Run was once again infused with the beautiful choral sounds of Triad Pride Performing Arts singers under the direction of William Southerland. Things got a little louder when the award-winning Grimsley Blue Steel drumline fell into formation and began their set. After the 5K runners took off, Blue Steel led walkers of all ages and species (we love our furry participants!) to the start line. Participants enjoyed a scenic run or walk through downtown Greensboro and the surrounding Westerwood and Lake Daniel neighborhoods, finishing up at Joymongers with a 5K winners’ ceremony and an after party featuring local craft brews and food trucks.

Supporters raised nearly $100,000 in donations to fund Triad Health Project’s work in the coming year, ensuring access to health care and support services for more than 2,000 people affected by HIV/AIDS. And true to form, founder, supporter and champion of many causes in our community, Ron Johnson raised $74,360 of those donations.

Lake Jeanette Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry was once again the Premier Sponsor for the event. Many thanks to the practice’s owners Gay Maness and Mike Ignelzi. They have a heart for Triad Health Project that extends beyond the walk, with Gay helping to provide lunch at the Higher Ground day center each month with fellow volunteers from All Saints Episcopal Church.

Triad Health Project is grateful to our many community partners who made the Red Ribbon Run & AIDS Walk a success, particularly the following businesses and organizations for their sponsorship of the event:

Tent Sponsors: Downtown Greenway and Joymongers Brewing Company

Run Route Sponsors: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Ron Johnson, Attorney at Law, Starmount Presbyterian Church, Fairway Outdoor Advertising, and Replacements, Ltd.;  

Friends of THP Sponsors: Avita’s MedExpress Pharmacy, Aull Paint Co., Cone Health Foundation, Cone Health Medical Group, Johnson, Peddrick & McDonald, PLLC, Wells Fargo, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals

Water Station Sponsors: First Presbyterian Church, HR Playbook, LeBauer Healthcare, PHE, Inc., ViiV Healthcare, Tarheel Leather Club, Triad Pawprints, Party Makers Event Rentals, and VF Jeanswear Limited Partnership.

By Paula Barger, THP Director of Development