On Wednesday, December 1, 2010, World AIDS Day, close to 1,000 people will descend on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors to remember those we have lost to HIV/AIDS, give hope to those currently living with the disease worldwide, and for a look towards the future.
On Wednesday, December 1, 2010, World AIDS Day, close to 1,000 people will descend on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors to remember those we have lost to HIV/AIDS, give hope to those currently living with the disease worldwide, and for a look towards the future.
The “Our Memories Burn Bright” candlelight walk and rally is not a fundraiser, nor is it affiliated with any other events that may take place that same evening.
Beginning three years ago, the “Our Memories Burn Bright” candlelight vigil and rally has steadily increased in size each year with last year having over 950 participants. This year the event is sponsored and underwritten by Broward House, The Pride Factory, Broward Health Department, Walgreens, Geovax Pharmaceuticals and Commcare Pharmacy.
“The response so far this year leads us to believe the event will be even larger than in years past,” said Terry DeCarlo, the event’s producer and public relations and marketing director for Broward House. “We put out a blanket email this year asking for community partners to join us in presenting the event and the response has been overwhelming with some of the most concerned and most active Fort Lauderdale community organizations, including: The Pride Center, Tuesday’s Angels, The SMART Ride, Sunserve, The Pals Project, The MProject, The Pet Project, The AIDS memorial quilt, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Women In Networking, Broward Health Department, Fusion, Minority Development & Empowerment, Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center, SMen, The Sunshine Cathedral and The Church of the Holy Spirit Song. Supportive businesses, include Bill’s Filling Station, Georgie’s Alibi, Hotspots Magazine, Latino Boys Magazine, the Rainbow Business Coalition, Mark’s List, Mark’s Magazine, South Florida Gay News, the Agenda Newspaper, the City of Wilton Manors, the City of Oakland Park, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Sidelines Sports Bar, Chic Optique and Island City Health and Fitness all answered the call. In the past too, we have had problems with so many people showing up to the rally that people could not hear or see what was happening; we have resolved that problem this year by bringing in a large stage donated by the City of Oakland Park and having a professional light and sound system.”
Beginning at 7:30 pm the candlelight procession will step off from Hagen Park (2020 Wilton Drive, behind Wilton Manors City Hall) and proceed east on Wilton Drive ending in the parking lot of the Shoppes of Wilton Manors (Georgie’s Alibi) where a celebration of life will be held; the event should end at approximately 9:00 pm. For more information on the event or on Broward House, please visit BrowardHouse.org
The “Our Memories Burn Bright” candlelight walk and rally is not a fundraiser, nor is it affiliated with any other events that may take place that same evening.
