@wehoonline @SuttonStracke lights the 🎄 at the Abbey in #westhollywood ♬ greedy sped up – Tate McRae
At the heart of the evening were performances by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and Lyle Anthony, set to bring a mix of holiday cheer and powerful messages through their music. The event schedule was tightly packed, with the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles performance starting at 6:30 PM, followed by a significant moment at 6:45 PM where a $10,000 check was presented to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. The climax of the evening, the tree lighting countdown, was scheduled for 6:59 PM, leading into Lyle Anthony’s performance at 7:00 PM.
This annual event, a staple in the West Hollywood community, had been a platform for David Cooley and The Abbey to support ETAF’s mission for the past 14 years. The foundation, established in memory of Elizabeth Taylor, a relentless advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment, focuses on direct care, prevention, advocacy, education, and fundraising. The Abbey’s partnership with ETAF highlighted the community’s ongoing commitment to those living with HIV/AIDS.
The Tree Lighting Ceremony was more than just a seasonal celebration; it was a symbol of hope and solidarity. Through holiday songs, holiday cocktails featuring Tito’s Vodka, and the communal joy of the tree lighting, The Abbey continued to shine a light on the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Taylor and the countless lives touched by her foundation.
As West Hollywood prepared to gather at The Abbey, the anticipation was palpable, not just for the entertainment and holiday festivities, but for the enduring impact such events had in supporting and uplifting those affected by HIV/AIDS. With special guests still to be announced, the 14th Annual World AIDS Day Tree Lighting Ceremony was poised to be an evening of meaningful celebration, remembrance, and community spirit.
Damn! Missed this, too.