In observance of World AIDS Day, the National AIDS Memorial Grove is the site of two annual observances at the grove’s location in Golden Gate Park. Held annually on November 30, the eve of World AIDS Day, Light in the Grove has been described as a “one-of-a-kind evening of remembrance, renewal, and reunion.”
During this unique occasion, the grove’s landscaped space is artistically illuminated with light displays, and guests experience a candlelight reflection at the Circle of Friends as well as a walk through the illuminated Redwood Grove accompanied by musical and choreographed performances. Participants progress through the grove to a warmly-lit tent to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a buffet dinner.
John Cunningham, the National AIDS Memorial Grove CEO, for this year’s observance welcomed guests and recognized the significance of the occasion. Drag activist Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence served as emcee.
Dan Bernal, longtime former chief of staff for Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, received the Lifetime of Commitment Award for 2024. Bernal, who serves as UCSF’s Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Relations, is also a dedicated HIV/AIDS patient advocate.
On December 1, the World AIDS Day ceremony included the presentation of a selection of panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Honored this year as recipient of the Thom Weyand Unsung Hero Award was the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Vince Crisostomo, whose decades of work have touched countless lives.
Crisostomo shared his observations during a discussion moderated by infectious disease expert Larkin Callaghan, PhD. Also participating were BreakthroughSF tutor Percy Vermut, and Kimberly Canady who is HIV positive and is an activist, advocate, and mother.
State Senator Scott Wiener also spoke, recognizing the challenges still faced in providing health care for people who are at risk for HIV/AIDS.
https://www.aidsmemorial.org/
Published on December 5, 2024
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