Twenty years after 8,000 soles first shattered stereotypes by walking Los Angeles’ streets, power strolling has become an HIV fundraising tool in 86 U.S. cities (and in Canada, too). “I wanted to let PWAs know that people support and care for them,” says LA, NY and SF Walk founder Craig Miller. Feet, don’t fail us now.

1985
LA, July 28—Eternal sexpot Ann-Margret launches the inaugural LA walk—three days before close friend Rock Hudson reveals he’s positive. Four thousand marchers raise $673,000.

1992
NY, May 31— 20,000 New Yorkers weather torrential downpours, setting a fundraising record of $4.8 million.

1994
SF, July 17—Rumors swirl about Robin Williams’ incognito participation in the SF walk; in ’96, he officially joins as guest speaker.

1997
LA, September 28—Honoring the late Princess Di’s activism, a UK company donates two double-deckers to shuttle LA walkers.

2002
SF, LA and NY—Walkers chug 100,000 bottles of donated water; New York walkers solicit $705,488 through online donations, 15 percent of the city’s $4.7 million total.

2005
NY, April 27—GMHC’s head Ana Oliveira opens the NASDAQ stock exchange, kicking off the fundraising season; NY Walk scores $5.8 mil.