Candelight Vigil: World Aids Day Counts Down to Zero

The World Health Organization, or WHO, organized the first World Aids Day in December of 1988. The first reports of AIDS were in 1981, 30 years ago.

Since then, more than 600,000 people in the U.S. have lost their lives to the disease, and more than 25 million worldwide have died of AIDS since its inception, according to published reports from the UNAIDS and WHO.

To recognize the day, the Sonoma Plaza will play host to a candlelight vigil from 5 - 6 p.m.

A note from the organizers:

Please bring a candle for the vigil. World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.

The first candlelight vigil was held in 1988 on the Sonoma Plaza.

Stop by the , 122 West Napa St., after the vigil for a reception and fundraiser. The store will donate 20 percent of all sales to Face to Face, a nonprofit which seeks to improve the lives of people affected by HIV, and reduce the number of new infections.