A Good Cause: World Aids Day

Our friends over at the Elton John Foundation sent us this press release and we thought we’d pass it along:

Today, in recognition of World AIDS Day, actress and Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) supporter Penelope Cruz opened the Unbreakable Kiss Mistletoe Installation, sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever, in New York City’s Madison Square Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. For every couple who kisses under the mistletoe now through December 4, A Diamond is Forever will donate $5 to EJAF in honor of World AIDS Day. In addition, one person each day will be selected to win a piece of jewelry from A Diamond Is Forever.

The purpose of this “Kiss-In” is to raise money for EJAF’s grant-making initiatives in support of HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS in communities across the Americas and the Caribbean. The Unbreakable Kiss Mistletoe Installation will be open December 1-4 daily from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

“All of us at EJAF are deeply grateful to our dear friend Penelope Cruz for representing the Foundation at this important World AIDS Day observance and to A Diamond is Forever for choosing to support EJAF through this lovely and unique event,” said Founder and Chairman Sir Elton John.

Across the globe, over 33 million men, women, and children are living with HIV/AIDS, and every year 3 million more become infected. Over 56,000 of those infections occur right here in the United States, 34% in young people age 13-29. “Until we have a cure and a preventive vaccine, teaching people how to prevent HIV infection is one of the most important things we can do right now to bring an end to this terrible epidemic. That has been EJAF’s mission from day one,” Sir Elton added.

So, bring a loved one to Madison Square Park during this four-day event and share a kiss to support EJAF’s urgent work and to commemorate the 20th observance of World AIDS Day. For more information please visit

Here.

Sincerely,

Scott Campbell
Executive Director
Elton John AIDS Foundation

P.S. Please visit

EJAF.org.

www.ejaf.org to find detailed information about EJAF’s mission and history and to make secure, tax-deductible, online donations in support of our work.