Television, film and stage actor Leslie Jordan—best known for his work on such shows as Boston Public, Boston Legal, Star Trek: Voyager and for his recurring role as Beverley Leslie, Karen's nemesis on TV's Will & Grace—has agreed to serve as celebrity spokesperson at this year's AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Saturday, Sept. 17.
One of the city's most high-profile annual events that raises money to combat HIV/AIDS, the run and walk will be held at 10 a.m. at Columbus and Balbo in Grant Park. Proceeds benefit the grant-making program of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Jordan, who at just 4 feet 11 inches is one of the most instantly recognizable faces in film and television, will also be in Chicago before the run and walk to appear in his acclaimed one-man stage comedy, Like a Dog on Linoleum Aug. 4-21 at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theatre.
The award-winning play has already opened to rave reviews and sold-out performances in Hollywood, Palm Springs, Toronto, Provincetown, Atlanta and elsewhere.
In addition to a 5K run and 5K walk, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will also feature a 'Health Expo,' sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health, where local HIV/AIDS service agencies will have booths. There will also be pre-event, course route and post-event musical entertainment.
Since 1988, AFC—the largest source of HIV/AIDS philanthropic support in the Midwest—has provided more than $15 million to area HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy groups.
According to new government statistics releases this summer, more than one million American are believed to be living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Registration cost is $20 in advance; $25 on-site. Registration materials and more information can be obtained by visiting www.aidschicago.org or calling ( 312 ) 922-2322. Registration materials can also be picked up at Fleet Feet stores in Chicago and Elmhurst.