G.R.i.D. (Get Rich in Dallas)

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day.  In recognition of the day, the Human Rights Campaign is issuing our third annual report card to America’s leaders, grading their response to the AIDS crisis.

While some in Congress have been superb in their support for addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States and abroad, our overall national response has been guided by ideology instead of sound science and hasn’t provided the resources necessary to adequately and appropriately address the epidemic, particularly within communities of color.

Next month, as the 110th Congress convenes, new leadership will take over the Senate and the House of Representatives. Much critical work remains ahead of us. The new Congress must make confronting HIV/AIDS a priority and pursue a coordinated and comprehensive approach to stop this pandemic.

Take a moment to read America’s report card by clicking here, and then please urge Congress to re-commit to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Thank you so much for taking urgent action this World AIDS Day.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
HRC President

I hope that you will join me Friday, December 1 and Sunday, December 3 for the Cathedral of Hope World AIDS Day Services.   World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the global AIDS epidemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

World AIDS Day Worship Service On Friday, December 1, from noon to 12:35 p.m., in the Sanctuary, the Cathedral of Hope will conduct its 2006 World AIDS Day worship service. Rev. Carol West, pastor of Celebration Community Church in Fort Worth and the former AIDS chaplain at Cathedral of Hope, will offer the message. You are invited to attend and to stay for the light lunch that will be served following the service.

Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens On Sunday, December 3 at 7 p.m., the Cathedral of Hope and Dallas Voice will present a one-night only concert staging of “ Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens ” to benefit the church’s AIDS Crisis Fund. With book and lyrics by Tony Award-nominated Bill Russell (“Side Show”) and music by Janet Hood, “Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens” is a celebration of lives lost to AIDS told in free-verse monologues with a blues, jazz and rock score. At once comic and powerfully moving, this play with music tells the tale from the point of view of some 30 individuals who died as a result of contracting AIDS from a wide variety of sources. The cast will feature, among others, Cathedral of Hope favorites Denise Lee and Gary Floyd, well-known Dallas theater performers Patty Breckenridge, Cedric Neal and John Garcia, and staff members of the Cathedral of Hope (myself included). A $10 suggested donation will be collected at the door. A love offering will also be taken. One hundred percent of the money in the AIDS Crisis Fund goes toward direct assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Approximately 40 million people are living with HIV throughout the world, and that number increases in every region every day. Ignorance and prejudice are fueling the spread of a preventable disease. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 3.1 million lives in 2005 of which more than half a million (570,000) were children. This year, it’s up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.

Click here for more information about our World AIDS Day Services

• Google.com is supporting (RED) for World AIDS Day on their homepage.

• Plus watch Sky this week in the UK for the new (RED) commercial.

• American Express RED Cardmembers and Marie Claire readers will enjoy a special late night shopping evening at Emporio Armani London stores tonight.

• Also this evening, Motorola launches the first ever (MOTO)RED Session with The Feeling and Mika playing an intimate gig for a lucky few in East London.

• Check out how (RED) has already helped save lives.

• Don’t forget to tell your friends to JOIN (RED) for World AIDS Day and help us make a positive difference together.

JOINRED.COM

From my cousin Lucinda

Love,
Lu

Well said. 

In honor of World AIDS Day, the majority of today’s posting will center around stories and faces of AIDS.

Bono’s message to you for World AIDS Day

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