Honoring, Reflecting, Remembering

"TO LIVE IN HEARTS WE LEAVE BEHIND IS NOT TO DIE"

Our Nonprofit's Mission Statement

The mission of this organization shall be to establish and maintain a Garden in memory of those who have died of AIDS and to provide a place of reflection for those who are living with AIDS and for those who are survivors. We hope this Garden will serve West Virginia and the surrounding states.

 

The small plot at the corner of Washington Street East and Sidney Avenue has become a haven of beauty and tranquility in an area that teems with activity from the nearby Capitol Complex. Members of the nonprofit Living AIDS Memorial Garden Inc. have worked since 1998 to turn the site into a place to honor the memories of those who have lost their lives to the disease and to provide a place of reflection for survivors and people living with the illness.


A funding mix of private donations, corporate contributions, government grants, and an annual benefit, the Dance for Those Who Can’t, has allowed garden organizers to create a blooming expanse that includes wildflowers, trees, and roses.

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A Place of Beauty & Tranquility

“We try to have a progression that goes from daffodils and tulips in the spring to iris and allium to daylilies, followed by the black-eyed Susans and then the mums in the fall,” said Bruce Severino, who co-founded the group along with Carl Maxwell and the late Jeffrey Huff. Wrought-iron fencing frames the garden on two sides, while a brick walkway meanders from front to back. Visitors can use the concrete benches and tables scattered throughout the plot. Some bricks are imprinted with the names of donors or people who have died of AIDS and with inspirational messages, such as “To Live in the Hearts We Leave Behind Is Not to Die.”

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A Brief History of Our Garden

Founded in April 1998, the Living AIDS Memorial Garden, Inc. is an esteemed membership organization that has made significant contributions to the community.

With its recognition by the IRS as a nonprofit charitable organization under § 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, our mission is to establish and maintain a beautiful garden that serves as a lasting tribute to the countless lives lost to the devastating AIDS epidemic.


Moreover, we are committed to providing a safe and tranquil sanctuary for individuals living with AIDS as well as those who have emerged victorious in their battle against this relentless disease. Through our unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, we aim to create a compassionate and inclusive environment that fosters healing, understanding, and hope for all those affected by AIDS.

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Support a Worthwhile Project

Living AIDS Memorial Garden has achieved the regional recognition that we were striving for when we first began this project. We have since completed the major elements of the garden and have started a campaign to raise money to help ensure the garden is professionally maintained, both now and in the future. Based on the support we have received, we feel that the Living AIDS Memorial Garden is a worthwhile project which has broad social appeal. AIDS is not just an illness, it is a powerful force that has torn the fabric of our society – and forever changed it. The garden is not only an important community beautification project, it is also a unique and very visible AIDS awareness project.

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Articles Featuring Our Garden

In 2003, the Living AIDS Memorial Garden, Inc., was chosen as the public garden to represent West Virginia in the Summer edition of People, Places, and Plants, a regional gardening magazine that serves the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.


The article, Public Gardens of the Mid-Atlantic, featured public gardens in the Mid-Atlantic States. The Garden was chosen from 8 other public gardens in West Virginia which included the Bissonnette Gardens in Wheeling; the Brooks Memorial Arboretum in Marlinton; the C. Fred Edwards Conservatory and Herb Gardens in Huntington; the Core Arboretum in Morgantown; the Joan Stifel Corson Butterfly and Wildflower Gardens in Wheeling; the Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling; Prabhunpada’s Palace of Gold in Moundsville and the Ritter Park Rose Garden in Huntington.

Click the buttons below to view a snapshot of each publication's article.

Send us a Message

Phone: 304-346-0246
Email: mail@livingaidsmemorialgarden.org
Mailing Address: 

PO Box 11704

Charleston, WV 25339

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What makes Living AIDS Memorial Garden so popular?

    For over two decades, the Living AIDS Memorial Garden has stood as a poignant tribute, a sanctuary of remembrance and reflection, paying homage to the precious souls who tragically succumbed to the relentless grip of the AIDS virus. Providing solace and healing to countless grieving hearts, this sacred garden has etched its indelible mark on the landscape of compassion and unity, serving as a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and hope in the face of unimaginable loss.


    Since its inception, the Living AIDS Memorial Garden has been a steadfast symbol of compassion, a haven where the memories of those who have departed too soon are preserved and celebrated. Its serene atmosphere, gently caressed by the whispering breeze and adorned with vibrant blossoms, serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty and fragility of life. This hallowed ground, meticulously curated and lovingly tended, stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, a testament that transcends the boundaries of time and space.


    Within this sacred sanctuary, the Living AIDS Memorial Garden weaves a tapestry of stories, each one a unique thread in the fabric of remembrance. It is a place where the names of the fallen are etched in stone, serving as a tangible connection to their enduring legacies. Visitors experience an overwhelming sense of reverence and gratitude as they stroll along its calm pathways because of the lives lost and the lessons learned.


    For over two decades, the Living AIDS Memorial Garden has remained a steadfast testament to the enduring power of love, compassion, and remembrance. It stands as a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a testament that inspires us all to hold onto hope, honor the memories of those lost, and strive for a future where AIDS is but a distant memory.

  • How can I get in contact with you?

    The best way to get in contact with us is to click the Contact Form in the "Contact" section above or the button on the bottom-right corner of the site. Additionally, you can contact us directly by calling, or emailing us.


    Phone: 304-346-0246

    Email: mail@livingaidsmemorialgarden.org


    Mailing Address:

    PO Box 11704

    Charleston, WV 25339

  • What service do you offer?

    In our serene garden memorial, we proudly offer a peaceful sanctuary where you can find solace and cherish the memories of your beloved departed. Within this hallowed space, we have meticulously created an environment that encourages reflection, providing you with the opportunity to honor and commemorate the life of your loved one in a way that is both personal and meaningful to you.


    The garden memorial is lovingly adorned with a myriad of vibrant flowers, their delicate petals gently swaying in the soft breeze as if whispering messages of comfort and love. The lush greenery, meticulously manicured and maintained, creates a soothing backdrop, inviting you to find respite amidst the beauty of nature.


    As you meander through the garden memorial, you will discover a multitude of thoughtful elements designed to pay homage to your loved one's memory. From elegant benches and tranquil seating areas where you can sit for a moment of reflection to enchanting pathways that guide you through the garden, every detail has been carefully considered to offer a sense of tranquility and serenity.


    Furthermore, we understand the importance of personalization in honoring your loved one's unique journey. That is why we offer a range of customizable options, allowing you to create a truly personalized tribute. From engraved plaques and dedicated memorial stones to beautiful sculptures and artistic installations, our garden memorial provides a canvas for your heartfelt expressions of love and remembrance.