December 1 is designated as World AIDS Day, a moment to recognize the legacy of those who have been lost to the disease and raise awareness about what still needs to be done to resolve the global health crisis. Here in Los Angeles, several charities and organizations are gathering to mark the day with fundraisers, events and other commemorations.
City of West Hollywood World AIDS Day events
West Hollywood will be sponsoring several events to mark today, including a public display of the 24-hour electronic art piece AIDSWatch at City Hall, which remembers 25,000 individuals lost to the illness. The piece will be simulcast on WeHoTV and streamed online, as well as projected on the north-facing side of the WeHo public library. Times and locations vary; all events are free and open to the public.
Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation tree lighting ceremony
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation heads to the Abbey in West Hollywood tonight for the seventh year in a row. The Noah Galvin-hosted event combines a festive holiday tree-lighting ceremony with a commemoration of World AIDS Day. December 1, 7pm to 9pm at the Abbey, admission is free.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt created by the NAMES Project Foundation has been growing since 1987, collecting thousands of patchwork quilt squares, each representing an individual life lost to AIDS. The patchwork now has more than 48,000 panels and the quilt travels around the country to be displayed as a powerful visual reminder. For this World AIDS Day, portions of the quilt can be viewed in the lobby of the Beverly Hills Public Library. Quilt on display at the Beverly Hills Public Library through December 4. The library is open Monday to Thursday 9:30am to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday noon to 6pm.
Voices of Hope at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Michael J. Libow and the Advocate magazine join together for this free event featuring talks and panels from a variety of AIDS activists, including Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis and former Beverly Hills mayor Lili Bosse. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, December 1 from 5:30pm to 7pm. Admission is free with RSVP.
AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County Candlelight Memorial
Join the Laguna Beach HIV Advisory Committee for a candlelight vigil on the beach. The gathering begins at 4:30pm and will be followed with a social gathering at Main Street Bar and Cabaret. Meet at Cobblestone, Main Beach in Laguna Beach on December 1 at 4:30pm; attendance is free.
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