Los Angeles HIV/AIDS Organizations Hold Creative Fundraisers To Encourage Donations in Slow Economy

Los Angeles-area not-for-profit HIV/AIDS organizations are increasingly foregoing traditional fundraisers, such as black-tie hotel banquets, in favor of themed parties, shopping sprees and athletic events in an effort to spur charitable giving in the "sluggish" economy, the Los Angeles Times reports. A decrease in charitable giving, combined with competition for donations among the area's 160 HIV/AIDS organizations, are driving the shift toward more creative fundraising efforts, according to the Times. "We're constantly trying to be creative to be accessible to more people and consequently raise more funds," Craig Thompson, executive director of AIDS Project Los Angeles, said. Area HIV/AIDS groups have organized dance parties, marathon training programs, shopping sprees for discounted high-end merchandise and themed dinner parties, among other events. The new fundraisers have been successful for some groups, such as the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics AIDS Foundation, which raises about $1.5 million of its $20 million annual operating budget at an annual carnival with attractions such as human bowling, featuring celebrities in large plastic spheres. Event organizers say that donors "have more fun at these events and are more likely to give again the next year," the Times reports (Piccalo, Los Angeles Times, 5/25).