Florida AIDS Memorial Park Foundation Holds First Major Fundraiser
The Florida AIDS Memorial Park Foundation and Florida AIDS Action are holding the first major fundraiser for a $500,000 AIDS Memorial Park in St. Petersburg on Sunday, the St. Petersburg Times reports. The one-acre park, for which land was set aside four years ago, will be dedicated to people who have died of AIDS-related causes and will include a memorial garden, a pavilion and "plenty of places to sit." Earl Garland, president of the park foundation, said that the park is not intended to be used for funerals. The former Tampa AIDS Network came up with the idea for the park several years ago. Some people have objected to the park because it is "named after a disease," and others are concerned that money raised for individuals with HIV/AIDS may go toward the park's cost. Those supporting the park's development hope it will "raise public awareness" about HIV/AIDS. Planners had hoped to open the park on Dec. 1, 2003 -- World AIDS Day -- but now they predict that it will open later. The park would be the first of its kind in the area (Thurston, St. Petersburg Times, 5/31).
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