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The Gay and Lesbian Association will sell red AIDS awareness ribbons for $1 Wednesday in the mall to raise money for WeAreAlive.org.
Half of the proceeds will go to the Black Student Alliance, which is helping with the project, Co-president Isaac Brown said.
It has become a tradition for GALA to educate and raise money to help fight the AIDS epidemic, he said.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, World AIDS day is observed every year on Dec.1.
The World Health Organization established World AIDS day in 1988. World AIDS Day provides governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations and individuals with an opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic.
In 2007 the estimated number of persons living with HIV worldwide was 33.2 million and there were 2.7 million people newly affected.
In other activities, the organization is looking for volunteers to assist in a mentoring program at Brackenridge High School. They meet with the Brackenridge Gay, Straight Alliance from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays to help and counsel the youth.
W. Brent Chandler, network administration sophomore and vice president of GALA, became a member to find a friend-support base in his community.
"I felt GALA would be a part in giving back to the San Antonio education community, a great place to make new friends and build bonds with old friends," Chandler said.
Brown, graphic design sophomore, became a member as an oath to his friend Gilverto Bundrant, who died from HIV/AIDS in March 2007.
"He gave all for the organization," Brown said. "We both made a promise to ourselves that we would dedicate our lives to help the neglected and humanitarian efforts for all who need it."
The club also plans a fundraiser Jan. 16 called the Black and White Winterball..
It is 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Jan. 16 in Koehler Cultural Center. Ticket prices are $15 pre order, $20 at the door, and $100 for a table that seats six.
All funds raised will benefit GALA and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Transgender Coalition.
The club plans to participate in local gay pride events in June and July.
For further details, call 733-2483.
For further information on HIV/AIDS Awareness, go to http://www.aids.gov/.
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