World AIDS Day falls on a Monday this year, meaning some events will happen the previous weekend. We’ve looked at local events and offer this roundup to help commemorate the annual day of remembrance, which is actually Dec. 1. The 2014 theme for World AIDS Day is “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation.”
ORLANDO
World AIDS Day Orlando 2014
Sunday, Nov. 30
Walk departs from The Center at 6:30 p.m.
A candlelight walk and rally to remember those we have lost to HIV/AIDS, and to look towards the future for hope. WFTV Channel 9 anchor Jorge Estevez will be the grand marshal for the event.
World AIDS Day at Lake Eola
6-8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1
Lake Eola Park
Take advantage of free HIV testing, entertainment and remembrance of those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The event is put on by Central Florida AIDS Planning Consortium, Miracle of Love, Place of Comfort, The Center and Hope and Help.
Winter White, Black as Night
8:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 30
10 p.m., show time
Parliament House Resort
Hosted by Parliament House and MAC Cosmetics, this fundraiser to benefit Hope and Help is full of fun performances and is a giant party. Raffles for prizes and a 50/50 as well as a silent auction will also be held. It is sure to be an evening of fantastic entertainment with an amazing themed show featuring many popular entertainers from around Central Florida.Last year this event raised close to $10,000. Tickets are $10.00
ST. PETERSBURG
Memorial Luncheon
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1
AIDS Service Association of Pinellas
Clients of AIDS Service Association of Pinellas will gather for the annual World AIDS Day Breakfast/Luncheon to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS. Donations greatly appreciated.
Rock it RED!
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 31
All day, Dec. 1
6:30 p.m., Candlelight vigil
2200 block of Grand Central District
To honor those who have died from AIDS and to remind the public of the ongoing search for a cure, approximately 70 trees between 19th and 31st streets will be wrapped in red muslin to create a mile long red ribbon. A candlelight vigil and remembrance program beginning at 7 p.m. will be held at the LGBT Welcome Center, 2227 Central Ave.In coordination with the event, Metro Wellness and Community Centers of St. Petersburg will be hosting the Candle Light Vigil at the LGBT Welcome Center located at 2227 Central Ave at 6:30 p.m.
ASIS
8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 1
American Stage
This year the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project will present the very first AIDS play ever produced in New York by William Hoffman:As Is. Winner of the Obie and Drama Desk Awards, this powerful, deeply affecting play was originally presented Off-Broadway by the Circle Repertory Company, then transferred to Broadway where it was nominated for a Tony Award. The play details the bravery and compassion with which two young men face the shattering revelation that one of them is affected with the dreaded, and fatal, disease, HIV/AIDS. All monies raised will benefit Metro Wellness and Community Center. Tickets are “pay-what-you-can” or $15 advance ticket purchase at AmericanStage.org. Suggested donation $10-$20 at the door.
SARASOTA
Reflect: World AIDS Day Service
Monday, Dec. 1
6:30 p.m.: Reading of the names 6:30 p.m.
7 p.m.: Interfaith service
Temple Sinai
4631 South Lockwood Ridge Road
Sarasota Enter off of Proctor between Swift and Beneva
Join the Gulf Coast Affirming Interfaith Network for the interfaith World AIDS Day remembrance and reading of the names.
Sarasota/Manatee AIDS Walk
8 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6
J.D. Hamel Park, downtown Sarasota
The annual 2-mile walk returns to Sarasota on Saturday, Dec. 6, but this year’s route is different. The walk starts at 8 a.m. at J.D. Hamel Park and participants will walk the entire Ringling Bridge. Proceeds benefit Trinity Charities and sponsors include Macy’s, Walgreens, Interior Design Society, Wells Fargo, Comprehensive Care Center, SATP and more. Food and music will kick off the festivities as walkers sign in at 7 a.m. For more information, visit TrinityCharities.org.
