Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PR Newswire, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019 - Tuesday, 15 October 1996
Representing AIDS victims from the southeastern U.S., the quilt display at Universal is in recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1 and follows the October 11-13 display of the entire quilt on the Capitol Mall in Washington, D.C. The entire AIDS Memorial Quilt contains 40,OOO three feet by six feet panels, each panel representing an individual from around the globe who has died of AIDS.
"Universal Studios Florida is honored to be the only site in the State to host a regional display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt," said Tom Williams, president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios Florida. "Our goal is to raise awareness about AIDS while commemorating those who have lost their lives to the #1 killer of young adults."
The quilt's appearance at Universal marks the first time the display has ever been on exhibit at a theme park or a movie studio. The free four-day exhibit runs November 30 through December 3 in Universal's Soundstage 22 and will feature several related special events, including a night-time candlelight procession and ceremony on World AIDS Day.
Celebrity spokesperson Judith Light, best known for her portrayal of Angela Bower on the ABC-TV hit comedy series "Who's the Boss?", will lead the ceremony which is also scheduled to feature musical performances by jazz/pop vocalist Patti Austin and Lillias White, two time Tony Award Winner for her performances in "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and "Bubbly Brown Sugar." The public is invited to participate in the free candlelight ceremony. Additional details will be announced at a later date.
Prior the display opening, Universal and CENTAUR (Central Florida AIDS Unified Resources, Inc.) will host a series of workshops designed to assist people in the creation of panels for inclusion in the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. Workshops are scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 19 and 26, from 7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m. each night. Interested individuals are required to register for the free workshops by calling CENTAUR at 407-849-1452. Panels created at the workshops may also be included in the quilt display at Universal.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt was founded in 1987 by The NAMES Project. The mission of The NAMES Project is to illustrate the enormity of the AIDS epidemic by showing the humanity behind the statistics through the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Through world-wide displays of the quilt, the organization strives to increase public awareness of the AIDS epidemic and HIV prevention, offer a creative form of expression for all whose lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS, to preserve the memory of those who have died as a result of the disease and to encourage support of the raising of funds for people living with HIV and AIDS and their loved ones.
CENTAUR, a United Way supported agency, is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization offering practical, emotional and financial support for those individuals infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS Disease. CENTAUR offers, free-of-charge, direct client services including: individual and group mental health counseling, food and clothing banks, financial assistance, 24-hour HIV/AIDS hotline, buddy/visitation programs, educational outreach to local communities in the form of a Speaker's Bureau Program and a monthly newsletter, among other services.
Universal Studios Florida, which opened in 1990, is the #1 movie studio and theme park in the world and is a joint venture between MCA INC., a unit of The Seagram Company Ltd., a global beverage and entertainment company, and The Rank Organisation PLC.
CONTACT: Linda Buckley or Kena Williams-Christian, Universal Studios Florida, 407-363-8220
Copyright (c) 1996/PR NewsWire. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, PR Newswire, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019.
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