The 2012 AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K run drew thousands to Piedmont Park Oct. 27 in hopes of raising  $1 million to fund several HIV/AIDS organizations.

As of Nov. 6, the event had raised more than $850,000, but donations will be accepted until the end of November. Last year, AIDS Walk Atlanta raised close to $1 million, surpassing 2010’s total by $82,000.

The agency still seeks a new executive director after Tracy Elliott resigned from the position in June after serving five years at the helm. Jon Santos, development director at AID Atlanta, resigned shortly after Elliott to take a position with Jerusalem House.

As AID Atlanta continues it search for a new executive director, it is being led by the team of its top management officers. AID Atlanta Board Chair Mark Rinder said the AIDS Walk is “right on track” to reach last year’s total, but did not respond to questions about the director search by press time.

Beneficiaries for this year’s AIDS Walk are AID Atlanta, the Ric Crawford Clinic (formerly AID Gwinnett), AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta, Aniz Inc., Jerusalem House, Living Room Inc., Positive Impact and Project Open Hand.

The team that raised the most money this year was SunTrust. The winner of the 5K run was Genesis Henderson. There were 784 runners in this year’s 5K. Organizers estimate approximately 10,000 people participated in the AIDS Walk.

Top photo: People take time to visit the AIDS Memorial Quilt during this year’s AIDS Walk. The event still hopes to reach its financial goal. (by Dyana Bagby)