TONIGHT! The 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service

Austin's & Texas 14th Annual & The 30 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service - Theme: "In solidarity" Standing in solidarity for health and rights! When: Sunday, May 19th, 2013 - Memorial Service from 7:30pm to 8:30pm Where: Republic Square Park - 422 Guadalupe Street, Austin - There is free parking on surrounding streets. (Rain Site Alternative) - St. David’s Episcopal Church - Bethell Hall at 301 E. 8th Street, Austin NOTE: This event has & always will be Free & Open to the Public. There are NO TICKETS to this Event As Facebook Has This Option, Just Ignore That Feature and Just Respond by Hit Going, Maybe or Not Going. Otherwise, By Clicking The Link at www.candlelightmemorial.com, that only gives you more info about the event, its past and present as seen Internationally. Thanks. Description: This will be Austin's 14th Annual Event hosted with highlights including AIDS Quilts, Speakers, History of Last 30 Years, Reflections, Music, Remembrances, Prayers, Candles & Free Community Service Literature, Information & Condoms. Participants are encouraged to bring your loved ones and family members to Honor Those Living and Those Who Have Passed From HIV/AIDS. Also on hand will be Area HIV/AIDS Service Organization Representatives available for additional assistance immediately following the Service. We Are Here For You! Speakers at The Service, will range from U.S. Congressmen Lloyd Doggett, and Austin's Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole, to Central Texas & Austin’s Aspect of HIV & AIDS - Mr. Justin Irving - City of Austin Disease Surveillance Specialist as well as Dr. David Barstow - President of Empact Africa, who is leading the way for the International Aspect. (www.empactafrica.org) The evening's Featured Speaker will be Austinite Ms. Shanika Cornelius who serves as an appointed member of Austin Area Comprehensive HIV Planning Council, as well as the Austin Team Lead of Texas Black Women’s Initiative, “I Am My Sister’s Keeper.”She also facilitates Get Lifted! an inspirational group offering support to women living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, Ms. Cornelius is the Chair of Project 13th of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She is dedicated, committed and strongly believe in impacting her community as she continues to serve as a member of Agape Christian Ministries, HIV STD Health Coalition and Black American Association Comptroller’s Association. This year's theme: "In solidarity," emphasizes the need of people living with and affected by HIV to join hands and work together in the response to HIV. Solidarity in communities is essential to reduce stigma and promote involvement of people living with HIV in order to ensure a more effective HIV response. Only together as communities we can advocate for universal access to quality health services and HIV treatment, to raise awareness around HIV and to promote respect for human rights of people living with HIV. Austin and the State of Texas proudly boasts the claim of having the longest & oldest running AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service in the state. As of this posting, Austin is the only city registered in the state to host the event to date. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service is Always Hosted the 3rd Sunday of Every May. Due to Popular Demand and Requests, The AIDS Candlelight Memorial Committee will be placing Port-A-Johns out at Republic Square Park for use for our attendees at the Service this Sunday. Since there are no Facilities at the Park, we felt the need for these. Kudos & Huge Thanks goes to Liquid Waste Solutions (http://www.liquidenviro.com/) and Edgar Gierbolini, and The Austin Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (http://www.aglcc.org) for obtaining these for all. Thank You! Thanks In Advance to All of the Following: The City of Austin, & Travis County, Austin's Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole, as well as Dr. David Barstow - President of Empact Africa. Special Thanks to The Night's Featured Speaker Ms. Shanika Cornelius as well as to all The AIDS Candlelight Committee Members and including Central Texas / Austin Area HIV/AIDS Service Organization Providers, as well as the many additional caring & loving individuals who support this cause and event yearly. In addition, Thanks to: Rev. Bill Young of MCC Austin for the Night's Invocation and Roger Temme for the Benediction. Musical & Sound Appreciations Kudos to: Brett Bachus, Todd Kinney, and Robert Cross as well thanks to our most appreciated volunteers for their assistance. In addition, special recognition to Anne Childs - RESULTS for her Media Assistance, as well as Motor Blade Postering, Minuteman Press, The Care Communities & Community AIDS Resource & Education (C.A.R.E.) for all their assistance in producing the Flyers & Posters Around Austin for Distribution. In addition, Thanks to Roger Temme and Anne Childs for their AV Support Thank You to Katherine Cantrell - Public Health Program Specialist II - Austin/Travis County Health & Human Service Department HIV Prevention- CD Unit for the 30 Red Helium Balloons you all will see around the park, celebrating our 30th. 30 Red Balloons for the 30th Anniversary! Thanks also to Mr. Gregory Golston for all his assistance over the years as wel as for tonight's service. Thanks goes to The Global Network of People Living with HIV. (GNP+) for promoting this annual event for the last 30 years. Lastly, but certainly not least, For all of you that will attend this year's historic event. It is because of your continued support, love, caring, & remembrance, that we keep this AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service hosted annually. Thank You! Area HIV/AIDS Service Providers Include The Following: AIDS Service of Austin (ASA) Austin Area Comprehensive HIV Planning Council Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Community AIDS, Resources and Education (C.A.R.E.) The Care Communities Community Action, Inc. The David Powell Health Clinic - Community Care The Jack Sansing Dental Clinic Out Youth Austin Project Transitions RESULTS The City of Austin Health Department Rural AIDS Services Program Waterloo Counseling Center The Wright House Wellness Center (WHWC) For More Information: visit: www.candlelightmemorial.org or email your local Area HIV/AIDS Community Service Organization Provider for further details or on how you may get answers, assistance or even volunteer your services, time, or help financially, for all those living with this chronic illness. Thank You and God Bless!