Central New York AIDS Memorial Quilt Exhibit

November 29 - December 1, 2011

The FACES Program at Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility/Southwest Community Center, 401 South Avenue, Syracuse will host a three day exhibit of AIDS Memorial Quilts in recognition of World AIDS Day 2011. Titled World AIDS Day 2011: A Time for Education and Remembrance, the exhibit will culminate on December 1 with an interfaith service of remembrance at University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee Street, in Syracuse, NY.

The exhibit hours are:

Tuesday, November 29th

  • Opening ceremony 9:30am to 10:00am, exhibit closes at 7:00pm

Wednesday, November 30th

  • Opening at 10:00am to 7:00pm

Thursday, December 1st

  • Opening at 10:00am
  • Closing Ceremony at 3:00pm, exhibit closes at 4:30pm
  • Interfaith Service of "Remembrance" - 6:00pm
    • Dinner served immediately following interfaith service in the social hall

This year's exhibit recognizes the continuing impact of HIV in Communities of Color in Central New York.  Rising numbers of new infections within Communities of Color and among young men who have sex with men (MSM) indicate the importance of events such as this to increase public awareness of HIV and the means of preventing infection. This year also marks the 30th Anniversary of HIV/AIDS throughout the world. Across the globe we hope for see a reduction in new infections. But sadly new infections continue to rise, especially in Central New York, which is second in the state only to New York City in the number of new infections of HIV and other STD's.

Teachers are invited to schedule their students for a classroom style education about HIV/AIDS. Students will also be chaperoned through the AIDS Memorial Quilt exhibit. In 2008, the CNY HIV Care Network Quilt exhibit at the OnCenter educated approximately 1,100 school students and many community members. We would like to see the total number educated this year surpass the 2008 numbers.

Volunteer registration forms are available now for those interested in helping with the exhibit. For registration forms or additional information about the exhibit, please contact either of us at the phone numbers and email addresses listed below. Donations are also needed to help make this exhibit a success. All committee members are volunteers, so any donations will go directly to cover exhibit costs. All donations are tax deductible. Other details about this exhibit will be released soon through various media. Anyone who would like to be on an email list for announcements about the exhibit and fundraising efforts can contact us at anytime. Thank you for your consideration.

For information, please contact:

John Wikiera, Chair
315.542.1703
jwikiera@aol.com

or

Rev. H. Bernard Alex, Director FACES, Co Chair
315.671.5834 
dwynn@swccsyr.org