December 1st marks World AIDS Day – a time to support those living with HIV/AIDS, fight against the disease, and commemorate those who have died of AIDS-related illnesses. With nearly 30,000 Australians 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 more information on these nine World AIDS Day event ideas.
World AIDS Day fundraising ideas
The struggle against HIV/AIDS is a group effort. As an event creator, this day is an opportunity to provide education and advocacy, and to destigmatise the illness. Here are some ideas and methods to promote World AIDS Day:
1. World AIDS Day breakfast fundraiser
This is an opportunity to raise significant funds while bringing people together in a casual setting. However, organising a successful breakfast fundraiser 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 in-kind sponsorship could help with the supply of 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 using donation ticket types.
- 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
Recognise those impacted by the illness by bringing together a diverse panel that discusses the past, present, and future of HIV. Offer attendees the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session.
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. Add a fundraising element to your 5K to raise money and donate funds raised 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. Educate and help dispel inaccuracies with awareness discussions. To draw in a bigger crowd and make your event more accessible, go virtual.
Hosting a fun and enlightening virtual event takes planning and creativity. Below are some ideas to keep attendees engaged:
- Create quizzes and questionnaires: Test guests’ knowledge with interactive quizzes. Offer a prize for those who get the highest 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 codes and digital gift cards; ideas for take-home items are AIDS awareness pins, T-shirts, and bracelets.
For more ways to create the best online event, check out our webinar hosting 101 guide.
5. Panel and networking
Hosting a panel and networking event expo is a fantastic way to build AIDS awareness. Focus on prevention and treatment with educational talks and screenings.
If you don’t know where to start, look to the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation. This Eventbrite creator organised a panel discussion about growing up and living with HIV and the different challenges people face.
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 destigmatise the red awareness ribbon, and a concert with that name encourages people to support the cause.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to planning an AIDS benefit concert:
- Choose the type of show: What 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 likely to bring their fanbase to the event.
- Promote the concert: 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 and in honour 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 is an opportunity to remember and honour the lives lost to HIV/AIDS. A traditional gala typically includes dancing and performances, but you can make it memorable with a candlelight vigil and inspirational reflections from guest speakers.
9. AIDS awareness summit
A summit is an opportunity for education and meaningful discourse. Since discussions around AIDS can be heavy, lighten the occasion with music and activities. For instance, include a speed networking portion that breaks the ice. Brainstorming sessions also help attendees share ideas in an intimate setting. Uplifting music creates a welcoming atmosphere, so hire a DJ to play some tunes.
Ready to plan your next event?
We hope these ideas on how to celebrate World AIDS Day spark inspiration for your next fundraising event. Want to know more? Check out how to plan a successful charity event in 10 steps.
