Mr. John is proud to have been a participating organization for the Central Park AIDS Walk which took place on May 17, 2009. Sponsored by the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), this annual event is in its 24th year and since its inception has raised over $105 million for AIDS charities nationwide.

AIDS Walk features a 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) trek that begins and ends in Central Park, Manhattan. Special guest Hilary Duff co-hosted the opening ceremony and led the thousands who turned out to walk in an effort to raise money to fight AIDS and HIV. Sarah Dash of Labelle,  Gold Streets and others performed during the event.

AIDS Walk benefits Gay Men's Health Crisis and 60 other AIDS service organizations. This year's event drew 45,000 participants and 2,500 volunteers, and featured our porto-john facilities in 6 locations throughout the park. Equipment included 164 Standard Mr. John Portable Restrooms, 8 ADA-Approved portable restrooms and a self contained Sani-Wash hand washing station.

The challenge in providing restroom facilities to this event was that the Central Park Conservancy has specific guidelines which limit truck access in the park.  The Conservancy protects every tree, plant and blade of grass in the park. Subsequently, no equipment or vehicles are permitted anywhere in the park other than on paved paths or roadways. As in years past, the very skilled Mr. John Field Service Technicians navigated the park via paved roadways and walkways carefully, avoiding contact with grass, trees or flowers. It was challenging and took a lot of time as well as expert driving skills.

Additionally, all Central Park vendor and supplier trucks require escorts, and all units must be padlocked shut upon delivery. Mr. John was required to begin the 8-truck load-in and load-out process at exactly 6 a.m. and continue straight through, in time to have all units in place prior to commencement of the event.

Austin Riggs, Supervisor of Event Operations wrote to Debbi Baker, Mr. John Special Events Account Executive, to thank her and the team for their excellent service during the event:

"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you this year. AIDS Walk NY and its faithful supporters raised over $5.6 million in donations. Thank you for your participation in making AIDS Walk NY a resounding success... I look forward to working with you again on future endeavors."

Aids Walk organizers have been impressed with Mr. John's capabilities over the last 5+ years.  They appreciate having a dedicated Account Manager to contact any time day or night and applaud their ability to respond to issues and emergencies with speed and accuracy.  Based on customer satisfaction with this event and a long-standing relationship with the Central Park Conservancy, Debbi was able to secure a 3-year, signed commitment for Mr. John to be the exclusive temporary restroom vendor for the AIDS Walk NY event.

For more information or to help, visit  the Aids Walk NY web site at www.aidswalk.net/newyork or the Gay Men's Health Crisis web site at http://www.gmhc.org/.