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  • ABOUT THE LUNCHEON

    The 12th Annual World AIDS Day Luncheon is a meaningful and inspiring event focused on supporting people living with HIV and those at risk. On Thursday, December 4, our community will gather at The Casey to honor lives lost, raise awareness, and learn how RAIN is working to end HIV in our region.

    World AIDS Day, observed each year on December 1, was established in 1988 as the first global health day. It’s a time to remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, show solidarity with those living with HIV, and recommit to ending the epidemic.

    Today, more than 38 million people around the world, including 1.2 million in the U.S., live with HIV. Here in Mecklenburg County, hundreds are diagnosed each year. While medical advances and legal protections have improved outcomes, stigma, misinformation, and health disparities still create barriers to care.

    World AIDS Day reminds us: HIV is not over. Raising awareness, promoting education, and fighting stigma remain vital in protecting our community and building a healthier future.

    RAIN’s World AIDS Day Luncheon is more than a fundraiser, it’s a day of unity, reflection, and hope. Together, we can ensure that every person living with HIV receives the respect, care, and support they deserve. Your presence and support help make this vision a reality.

    Thursday, December 4

    11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

    The Casey

    1801 N. Tryon Street

  • 2025 Table Hosts

    Atrium Health

     

    Bank of America

     

    Duke Energy

     

    Freddie

    Chelsea Gulden

    RAIN

    Julie Lindberg

     

  • BECOMING A HOST IN 4 EASY STEPS

    1

    Sign Up

    Invest in a table of 10 for $500 ($470 tax deductible)

    2

    Invite Friends

    Start inviting your guests to join you on December 4.

    3

    Join Us

    Arrive at The Casey by 11:15 to greet your guests.

    4

    Donate

    Use your personalized fundraising link to have your guests donate.

  • BEING A TABLE HOST

    Serving as a Table Host is the perfect way for an individual to show their support for RAIN and our mission. If you are interested in being a table host please contact Nathan Smith at 704-973-9818.

    TABLE HOST BENEFITS

    • One table (10 seats) at the luncheon
    • Name listed in the event program
    • Name on the table
    • Customized fundraising page for your donors to support your efforts
    • Customized QR code for your table on the day of the luncheon
    • Option to connect your fundraising page to Facebook fundraisers and ask even more people to support your efforts
    • Tools to help you fundraise and recruit guests including tips, email templates, graphics and special requests
    • If you are a past host, RAIN can provide you with the names and contact information for your past guests
    • Invitation to attend RAIN's donor thank you celebration event
  • Presenting Sponsors

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  • Silver Sponsors

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  • DEBBIE WARREN LEADERSHIP AWARD

    Beginning in 2014 at our first World AIDS Day Luncheon, RAIN has honored individuals, groups, or corporations that have contributed to RAIN or the community in a significant way with the Red Ribbon Leadership Award. In 2021, the award was renamed in honor of Debbie Warren, Founder and former President & CEO of RAIN, in recognition of her three decades of compassionate leadership and service. The renamed award will be a reminder of her legacy, as her name is invoked each year when the awards are announced.

  • 2024

    Bradley Claxton

    Brad Platt

    2023

    Kita Chandler

    Tito's Handmade Vodka

    2022

    Tommy Feldman

    CTRL Lifestyle Group

    2021

    Shelly Schoenfeld

    Twirl to the World Foundation

    2020

    Richard Gibbons

    2019

    Ramona Holloway & Matt Harris (The Matt & Ramona Show)

    Synchrony

    2018

    Robert Dogens

    Myers Park Baptist Church

    2017

    Bishop Tonyia Rawls

    Warner Hall (Davidson College)

    2016

    Mary Dewalt

    Scott Crowder

    Farewell to Summer Foundation

    2015

    Jameka Whitten

    Rachel Sutherland

    2014

    Walt Kearns

    Lesa Kastanas

  • 2024 Commemorative Poem