In commemoration of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, local AIDS organizations are holding a variety of events to raise funds for prevention and treatment, and to extend opportunities for HIV testing. Here's a quick rundown:
• World AIDS Day HIV Testing Events. For a comprehensive list of testing events and other World AIDS Day commemorations in Tampa Bay, check out this site: We Make the Change site, Region 9.
• World AIDS Day Cut-a-Thon. Get a $10 haircut 4:30-8 p.m. Wed. Dec. 1 from the stylists of Wicked Salon and help out the AIDS Services Association of Pinellas (ASAP). Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-821-0099.
• A Passport to Gulfport. A great way to sample Gulfport restaurants (including the new Dive Bar and Grill) and raise money for ASAP at the same time. Billed as a "Progressive Party with a Purpose," the Passport to Gulfport offers tapas and drinks on Friday Dec. 3 at three locations: Isabelle's at the Peninsula Inn, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Pia's Trattoria, 7:30-8:30 p.m.; and Dive Bar and Grill, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets $50, asapservices.org, 727-328-3260.
• Santa Speedo Run. Enjoy the fact that we live in an area where 1) we can run around in Speedos in December; 2) there are people who look good running around in Speedos in December (like those two cuties in ASAP's promotion video, below); and 3) that we have an AIDS organization like ASAP that has the promotional flair to raise money through fun events like this one.
This article appears in Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2010.