Capitol Correspondent
World AIDS Day, an event that started at a meeting of world health ministers in 1988, will be marked with a series of events in Michigan this Friday and Saturday.
This year's world-wide theme is "Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise-Leadership." The program, originally coordinated by the United Nations AIDS organization, was taken over in 2004 by World AIDS Campaign (WorldAIDSCampaign.info). There are events planned around the world, and Michigan HIV/AIDS service organizations will offer several, including free AIDS testing across the state (see list).
The Lansing Area AIDS Network (LAAN) will host a dinner and silent auction on Friday Nov. 30 at the Eagle Eye Golf Course. On Saturday Dec. 1, the network will host an observance and program at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. It will feature people from the community speaking about living with HIV, the Gay Men's Chorus and a Names Project quilt opening. Local religious leaders will also participate and there will be an awards ceremony for outgoing East Lansing Mayor Sam Singh and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. This ceremony will recognize both mayors for their contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS and LAAN.
Immediately following the program there will be a March Against Stigma, Silence and Ignorance, from Hannah to the median at Abbot and East Grand River Avenue. Everyone is invited to attend the World AIDS Day program and the march. For more information on LAAN programs, call LAAN at (517) 394-3719.
The Red Alert Benefit Fashion Show, presented by the ladies of R.E.A.A.L., will also take place at the Hannah Community Center on Saturday Dec. 1. The event features a blend of high fashion and art not often seen in the Lansing area. Tickets for the fashion show are $15; $20 for both the fashion show and the after-party. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 8. For ticket information contact Kristian Grant at (616) -862-3928.
The Midwest AIDS Prevention Project (MAPP) will host a spaghetti dinner in Ferndale at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1, followed by an Ecumenical Remembrance Service. The dinner costs $7 and will be held at the First United Methodist Church on Woodward. The remembrance service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Ferndale. In addition to the dinner and service, MAPP will also host a Precious Lives, Precious Metals Benefit Gala at Tapper's Jewelers in West Bloomfield. That begins at 8 p.m. Dec. 1.
On Dec. 7, MAPP will host Dine Out Ann Arbor, with dining at 100 different resturants. Part of all bills will be donated to MAPP. For more information on MAPP events, call (248) 545-1435.
For information on World AIDS Day Events all over Michigan, visit http://www.mihivnews.com/events/2007_wad_activities11-19-07.pdf