With Celebrity Endorsement, ‘Until There’s a Cure’ Bracelet Raises Awareness, Funding

A bracelet bearing the AIDS ribbon has become a popular fashion accessory since celebrities, including members of the music group Destiny's Child and actor Kevin Bacon, have worn it in an advertising campaign, the San Antonio Express-News/Richmond Times-Dispatch reports. Sold by the Until There's a Cure Foundation, "The Bracelet" has generated more than $4 million for AIDS-related causes, with recent sales "soaring" due to the black-and-white celebrity ads. The jewelry piece is a quarter-inch wide, cuff-shaped, silver-plated band with the AIDS ribbon embossed on the outside and "Until There's a Cure" inscribed on the inside. The bracelet sells for $22 with all proceeds going toward AIDS research and prevention. More than 450,000 bracelets have been sold since its creation in 1993. Jennifer Kockos, development director for the foundation, said, "It's a dual tool. Not only does it raise money, it raises awareness. People think AIDS has gone away, and that it's old news. People think it's under control, but it's not." More information on the bracelet is available online at the foundation's Web site (Cieluch, San Antonio Express-News/Richmond Times-Dispatch, 7/28).