AIDS Memorials have been established in major cities around the world and it’s long overdue for San Diego to join those ranks. With nearly 8,000 deaths to-date related to HIV/AIDS in San Diego County, it is imperative that San Diegans remember those that have passed and continue to fight until there is a cure. The AIDS Memorial will be a place of remembrance and reflection.
The AIDS Memorial Task Force is co-chaired by San Diego Mayor Kevin Falconer’s wife, Katherine Stuart, and LGBT activist, Nicole Murray-Ramirez. This project will be funded with private contributions. Essential responsibilities of the task force will include “Call for Design” efforts, location determination, fundraising efforts and finally an unveiling ceremony when the memorial comes to fruition.
The Task Force has announced that fundraising for the memorial will kick off with an AIDS Memorial “Concert for Life” March 26.
The concert will feature iconic lesbian comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer; famed Cher impersonator, and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Chad Michaels; The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus plus, a special performance by The Heartbeat Music Academy’s Thunder Drumline.
VIP Tickets include admission to the hosted artist meet and greet prior to the show, and special music reception featuring 2014 Latin Grammy Nominee, The Manny Cepeda Orchestra, as well as preferred seating in the VIP Lounge with hosted private bar and tray passed Hors d’Oeuvres. A silent auction will be available in the courtyard. Goal is to raise $30K.
Tickets are on sale now, and can be found on the SD AIDS Memorial Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SDAIDSMemorial.
