The 24th annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles set attendance records Sunday and defied fund-raising expectations in the midst of a troubled economy, AIDS Project Los Angeles announces in a press release.

AIDS Walk founder and producer Craig R. Miller announced that “more than 30,000 walkers and volunteers helped to raise $3.158 million” for APLA and other AIDS service organizations throughout Los Angeles County. Since 1985, the walk has raised more than $63 million for HIV programs and services throughout the county and has grown into one of the largest AIDS fund-raising events in the country.

“Despite the economic downturn, today’s attendance and total raised demonstrate that the Los Angeles community remains committed to raising funds to help those struggling with HIV or AIDS and to prevent new infections” said Miller. “The people of Los Angeles, including congressman Howard L. Berman and leading members of the entertainment community, made a loud and clear statement that there is much to be done in confronting AIDS here at home and that we remain determined to make progress every day,” he added.

Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters) greeted a record-breaking crowd at the event’s main stage and introduced West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang, who delivered welcoming remarks.

Congressman Berman, who was joined by Maxine Waters, a fellow member of Congress and ally in the AIDS fight, discussed the current crisis and lauded lead beneficiary APLA’s work to fight the expanding epidemic in Los Angeles.

The crowd was energized by the cast of Kiss of the Spider Woman, who performed “The Day After That.” John Schneider (Chicago, Smallville, The Dukes of Hazzard) offered a powerful and moving rendition of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which closed the opening ceremony.

Other celebrity hosts included Linda Cardellini (ER), Tony Winner Alan Cumming (Cabaret, X2: X-Men United), Loretta Devine (Eli Stone, Grey’s Anatomy), Kimberly McCullough (General Hospital, General Hospital: Night Shift), Brooke Smith (Grey's Anatomy), and Jason Thompson (General Hospital, General Hospital: Night Shift).

“Our programs and services now face unprecedented demand,” said Craig E. Thompson, executive director of APLA. “Each dollar raised through the AIDS walk allows us to do more to care for people living with HIV and AIDS and to prevent new infections.”

The event receives significant support from businesses through team fund-raising and corporate sponsorship. This year’s presenting sponsor was the Hilton Family of Hotels. Grand sponsors included the David Geffen Foundation, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg, NBC4/Telemundo52, Nordstrom, Paramount Studios, Pacific Design Center, and Wachovia. Principal sponsors included Latham & Watkins, Macy’s, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, and Target.