On Dec. 1, communities around the world will mark the 22nd annual World AIDS Day, a time to recognize the 25 million people who have died and 33 million people living with HIV and AIDS. The Skanner News Video

In Portland, a candlelight march will begin at Portland City Hall, culminating with the Red Ribbon Party at Hotel Monaco in Downtown Portland. Candlelight marchers gather at 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 1 in the city hall atrium. At 5:20 p.m., Mayor Sam Adams will address the marchers, who will take to the streets at 5:30 p.m. toward Pivot, 209 SW 4th Ave., for a hosted reception.

In order to celebrate those who are still living, the Hotel Monaco, 506 S.W. Washington St., will be holding a benefit Red Ribbon Party for the Cascade AIDS Project. Doors to the free event open at 7 p.m.

The Red Ribbon Party will include:

Special entertainment provided by Poison Waters. 

DJ Pony will be spinning.

Drag Queen Bingo ($5 per card) with some fabulous travel-related plush-ness as prizes (robes, nights away at Kimpton Properties, wine tasting, etc.).

Red Ribbon Clothed and Painted men selling your chance to be a winner!  Raffle prizes are offered in the same theme as Bingo prizes.

Live auction with more than a dozen items including weekend stays at hotels across the country (many including airfare or train tickets).  These are BIG prizes!  Imagine Miami, New York, or San Diego!! 

Red Ribbon Ice Luge - Charity cosmos - Beer from the Oregon Brewers Guild - Sokol Blosser Wine - Appetizers from Red Star. 

In the United States, African Americans are hit hardest by the disease. Almost half of people living with HIV in the U.S. are Black.