WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—More than $20,000 was raised by Team Wicked for the 29th Annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles on October 13. Led by Wicked Pictures performer and director Jessica Drake, and consisting of adult stars, industry members, and fans, Team Wicked completed the 10 kilometer fundraising walk in support of LA County AIDS organizations.
“I am so impressed by Team Wicked!” Drake said. “Our team gave their time and effort for an awesome cause, and together we exceeded our goal. Asa [Akira], Brad [Armstrong], and Dana [DeArmond] reached Star Walker status with me this year, and everyone on the team helped us meet and beat our goal! I'm grateful to everyone along the way who helped promote our fundraising, and a very special thanks to Wicked Pictures and everyone who donated! Next year is the 30th anniversary of AIDS Walk LA, and I'm already full of ideas for Team Wicked."
To view a complete list of Team Wicked’s members, visit its donation page here. Contributions are still being accepted.
Wicked Pictures contract performers Asa Akira, Samantha Saint, and Kaylani Lei all participated in the fundraising efforts and the walk, as did Wicked Pictures director Brad Armstrong. Additional adult industry personalities included Dana DeArmond, David Lord, Alison Tyler, Kylie Ireland, Steviee Hughes, and more.
“I had so much fun joining Jessica Drake and Team Wicked for this year’s AIDS Walk LA,” Akira said. “It was the first time I’ve ever done anything like that, and I found it both enjoyable and rewarding—even more so than I originally anticipated. I already can’t wait to do it again next year!”
Samantha Saint added, “This was also my first year being a part of AIDS Walk Los Angeles, and it was an honor to work with Team Wicked in supporting such a great cause.”
Upon the conclusion of the walk, Team Wicked congregated at The Abbey in West Hollywood to celebrate Drake’s birthday. “I decided to make my birthday brunch at The Abbey a tradition—friends, go-go dancers, cake, and champagne…the perfect ending to a great day,” Drake said.
AIDS Walk Los Angeles has drawn more than a half-million participants, who have collectively raised more than $72 million in its 27 years. The event, which has served as a model of grassroots fundraising and community activism for organizations across the United States, is sponsored by AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA). It is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by HIV disease, reducing the incidence of HIV infection, and advocating for fair and effective HIV-related public policy. APLA provides care and HIV prevention services throughout Los Angeles.