LAS VEGAS (Nov. 24, 2014) – Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) will show its support in the fight against HIV and AIDS and honor those who have died on World AIDS Day on Monday, Dec. 1.
The first World AIDS Day was held in 1988 and was the first-ever health awareness day to be recognized globally. Today, an estimated 34 million people live with HIV worldwide and AFAN helps approximately 4,000 adults and children in Southern Nevada through direct client service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs and community outreach.
“HIV/AIDS has seen huge medical, legal and cultural advances, but we still have a long way to go,” AFAN Executive Director Antioco Carrillo said. “That’s why World AIDS Day is so important; it’s a reminder that HIV and AIDS are still very prevalent around the world and that there is still much to be done to increase awareness and fight the pandemic.”
Monday, Dec. 1
9 a.m.
A special ceremony at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign will kick off the day with comments from AFAN and local community leaders.
- Lighting of the world-famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign in all red lights, made possible by the Las Vegas office of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
- Clark County Commissioners will recognize Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day.
- AFAN Executive Director Antioco Carrillo will speak on behalf of the 4,000 men, woman and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Las Vegas community.
- A moment of silence will be held to honor those living with and those lost to HIV/AIDS.
- Red ribbons will be passed out to the crowd.
8 p.m.
Several hotels, casinos and landmarks around Las Vegas will display red lights or a 2014 World AIDS Day image on their marquees, including:
- Caesars Palace
- Harrahs
- The High Roller
- Planet Hollywood
- Paris
- The Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino
- The Flamingo
- Bally’s
- The Venetian
- The Palazzo
- The Stratosphere
- Station Casinos
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- SLS Las Vegas
- Palms Casino Resort
- Las Vegas City Hall
- Keep Memory Alive Event Center
- The Miracle Mile Shops
Take a photo of one of the signs or red lights and post to social media with the hashtag #WorldAIDSDay and tag @AFANLV for a chance to win two VIP tickets to Evolve International Gay Vegas New Year’s Eve celebration at Tropicana or tickets to experience the High Roller.
10:30 p.m.
Foxtail Nightclub at SLS will host a party with a portion of the proceeds benefitting AFAN as part of their Membership Mondays.
Throughout the day, people are invited to drop off their “Every Piggy Counts” piggy bank at the AFAN offices located at 1120 Almond Tree Lane.
For more information, visit afanlv.org.
About AFAN
Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. This year marks AFAN’s 30th anniversary of unyielding commitment to the community, providing support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. AFAN offers consistent and comprehensive direct client service programs, including medical case management, housing and utility assistance, emergency food and transportation vouchers, prevention and education programs and community outreach. As part of AFAN’s mission, these client service programs assist in enhancing the physical health and psychosocial wellness of the individuals they serve, while promoting dignity and improving the quality of their lives. For more information, please visit afanlv.org. Keep up with AFAN events and news onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.