Rose Parade Welcomes Its First-Ever AIDS Float, Dedicated To Elizabeth Taylor
Pasadena's 2012 Tournament of Roses will feature its first-ever Rose Parade float dedicated to HIV/AIDS awareness.
The L.A.-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) announced today that it will dedicate its float to actress Elizabeth Taylor for her "nearly three-decade-long advocacy and compassion on behalf of people with HIV/AIDS," said AHF in a statement, according to City News Service. The float, designed by Raul Rodriquez, has been dubbed "Elizabeth Taylor: Our Champion" and will take the shape of a red ribbon - the international symbol for AIDS - via over 50,000 red Charlotte roses. Photos of Taylor and a revolving planet Earth will also be included in the display.
AHF President Michael Weinstein recognized the late Hollywood icon for her dedication in the fight against the disease. "Long before it was fashionable, she was there by our side, a singular and fearless champion for AIDS activism. She spoke truth to power on a variety of issues, and her organization, which had no overhead, helped fund AHF and other AIDS organizations in Los Angeles at a time when funding was hard to come by."
AHF plans to sell "memory flowers" via a text messaging donation campaign. Supporters can donate $5 to have the name of a loved one or friend who has died of AIDS hand-written on one of the 150,000 water vials of which the float is comprised.
The Roses Parade will take place on January 2 at 8am.
