__The AIDS Awareness Ribbon__
or Red Ribbon
 

The ribbon is commonly seen as a symbol of solidarity and a commitment to the fight against AIDS.  The Ribbon Project was conceived in 1991 by Visual AIDS, a New York based charity group of art professionals that aims to recognize and honor friends and colleagues who have died or are dying of AIDS. Inspired by the yellow ribbons honoring American soldiers of the Persian Gulf War, the color red was chosen for its "connection to blood and the idea of passion -- not only anger, but love, like a valentine," as stated by Frank Moore of Visual AIDS.

Worn by host Jeremy Irons, the ribbon made its public debut at the 1991 Tony Awards, and soon became a popular and politically correct fashion statement for celebrities and other awards ceremonies.

The Ribbon Project remains a powerful force in spreading awareness of AIDS and stressing the need for further action and research of the disease. The sincerest hope for the Ribbon Project is that it will one day no longer be needed.

The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource --Extensive information and resources on HIV and AIDS.

NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt--Commemorating the victims of AIDS.

A Message From Elton John, Chairman,
Elton John AIDS Foundation

As we celebrate the onset of the 21st Century, we are confronting the fact that the year 2000 does not mark the end of the AIDS epidemic. We continue to make great strides toward a vaccine; we continue to preach about HIV prevention-education and we continue to see a decrease in the number of people progressing from HIV to AIDS while the number of new AIDS cases remains stable. In civilized countries, it may be safe to say, "there is hope, but there is still no cure." However, it is false hope if we don't face the reality that a decrease in percentages does not mean the end of the epidemic. ~1999

Elton John Aids Foundations--Learn more about the foundation, and volunteer opportunities.

With offices in Los Angeles and London, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is an international non-profit organization funding prevention education programs and direct patient care services worldwide. The charity was established in 1992 by Elton John, who serves as its Chairman.

From 1992 to 2004, the Elton John AIDS Foundation funded more than 2,417 grants in North America. In North America, over 80 percent of all money raised goes directly to patient-care grants, making the Elton John AIDS Foundation one of the largest public non-profit organizations in the AIDS arena.