Listen to this articleWith more than 1.2 million Americans, including thousands of Utahns, living with HIV and AIDS, Salt Lake City will turn red Thursday, Dec. 1. The city will honor World AIDS Day with an event at the Salt Lake City and County Building, which will be awash in red lights. Red ribbons will also be adorned on lamp posts and other city fixtures. A full list of activities and events is extensive each year and will be updated at qsaltlake.com as details are announced.
World AIDS Day was started in 1988 as an opportunity for people around the world to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS and to commemorate those who have passed on. The Centers for Disease Control estimates more than one million people are living with HIV/AIDS and approximately 20 percent do not know they are infected. Last year, more than 50,000 people were diagnosed with HIV.
The eighth annual Red Party will be held Nov. 29, 5:15 p.m., at Hotel Monaco, 15 W. 200 South. The Red Party is part of a national fundraiser held by Kimpton-owned properties on, or around, World AIDS Day for local charities, and Utah has consistently raised more money than any other area, said Shawn Jackson, entertainment guru at Hotel Monaco. In the last three years, the event has raised more than $83,000 for the Utah AIDS Foundation.
“This really is it. The big party. The one we look forward to. It’s just a great time and so much fun,” said Jackson. Admission to the event starts at $35. For tickets and information, go to utahaids.org or call 801-487-2323.
