December 1st commemorates World AIDS Day. This important occasion aims to support those living with HIV/AIDS, fight against the disease, and commemorate those lost during the epidemic to AIDS-related illnesses. With over one million Americans currently living with HIV, this day is important for many across the country.
Give your community the chance to stand in solidarity and increase awareness with an event dedicated to this worldwide observance. Keep reading for nine World AIDS Day event ideas.
World AIDS Day fundraising event ideas
The struggle against HIV/AIDS is a group effort. As an event creator, this day is an opportunity to provide education, advocacy, and destigmatization. Here are some ideas and methods to promote World AIDS Day:
1. World AIDS Day breakfast fundraiser
The great thing about a breakfast event is that it raises significant funds while bringing people together in a casual setting. Organizing a successful breakfast fundraiser, however, requires more than curating the menu and sending invites. Make the event special with entertainment, or consider a short cooking lesson or poetry reading. Additionally, think about featuring special guests to give keynote addresses.
Here are more tips for hosting a successful breakfast fundraising event:
- Consider adding sponsors: Getting sponsors onboard will help reduce your costs, and they can possibly provide food and beverages for the occasion.
- Think about your donation structure: There are a few ways you can secure donations on Eventbrite. For instance, you can create a donation ticket or offer an add-on at checkout. Learn more about raising funds in our how-to guide for accepting donations for fundraiser tickets.
- Keep in mind food preferences: Have guests RSVP and provide their food preferences (i.e., vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free). Eventbrite makes it easy to create online RSVPs forms and manage guest lists.
2. Discuss the past, present, and future
Honor those impacted by the illness with a benefit. Don’t know where to start? Frederick HIV AIDS Coalition hosts an annual benefit that remembers those lost to the epidemic and celebrates survivors. The event features a diverse panel that discusses the past, present, and future of HIV. Attendees also have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A.
3. Charity 5k walk or run
Invite your community to come together for a 5k run or walk. This idea enables people to pay tribute to those impacted by the illness. You can even add a fundraising element to your 5k. For instance, Auntjuan “MrCommunity” Wiley organizes an annual AIDS walk/run that unites the South Dallas area. Funds raised go to AIDS support and advocacy programs.
4. Virtual youth awareness talks
One study revealed that over a quarter of young people have false beliefs about contracting the virus. You can educate and help dispel inaccuracies with awareness discussions. If you want to draw in a bigger crowd and make your event more accessible, make it virtual.
Hosting a fun and enlightening virtual event takes planning and a little creativity. Below are some ideas that will keep attendees engaged:
- Create quizzes and questionnaires: Test guests’ knowledge with interactive quizzes. Offer a prize for those who get a high score.
- Let attendees ask questions: Providing multiple Q&A sessions throughout the event will keep audiences hooked and involved.
- Include merch: Give away virtual or physical goodie bags. Virtual merch could include discount certificates and eGift cards, while some ideas for take-home items are AIDS awareness pins, T-shirts, or bracelets.
For more ways to create the best online event, check out webinar hosting 101.
5. Health fair
Hosting a health fair is an awesome way to spread AIDS awareness. Your fair could focus on prevention and treatment with educational talks and screenings.
If you don’t know where to start, look to Washington Health Institute. This Eventbrite creator organized a fair to promote healthcare access and reduce disease transmission. The event included rapid testing, referrals to health providers, raffles, music, and giveaways.
6. “Rock the ribbon” concert
The red ribbon is a symbol that expresses compassion and solidarity for people living with HIV/AIDS. The phrase “rock the ribbon” helps to destigmatize the red awareness ribbon. Encourage people to support this cause through a concert — aptly named “Rock the Ribbon.”
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to planning an AIDS benefit concert:
- Choose the type of show: What type of music do you want to feature? To narrow down your music choices, consider what your community/audience is interested in.
- Curate the lineup: Consider partnering with local musicians, who are generally more accessible and are likely to bring their fanbase to the event.
- Promote the concert: Ensure you draw a crowd with marketing. Reach your ideal audience through social media with Eventbrite Boost, our streamlined platform that makes marketing simple.
7. Drag fashion show
Combine entertainment and awareness with a drag show. In honor of AIDS day, invite performers to come and show off their best red fashion. Your event could also include a Q&A or meet and greet.
8. Memorial gala
A memorial gala can honor the lives lost to HIV/AIDS. A traditional gala typically includes dancing and performances, but you can make it special with a candlelight vigil. For example, National AIDS Memorial included a candlelight remembrance in its event, as well as inspirational reflections from guest speakers.
9. AIDS awareness summit
A summit provides the opportunity for education and meaningful discourse. Since discussions around AIDS can be heavy, lighten the occasion with music and activities. For instance, you can include a speed networking portion that breaks the ice. Brainstorming sessions are another way for attendees to share ideas in an intimate setting. Uplifting music also helps create a welcoming atmosphere. So, consider getting a DJ that can spin crowd-pleasing jams.
Ready to plan your next event?
We hope these ideas on how to celebrate World AIDS Day spark inspiration for your next event. Want to know more? Check out 10 Easy Steps to Planning a Unique Charity Event.
