World AIDS Day is commemorated on December 1. People and diverse communities come together to participate in activities and events to appreciate those who have battled with the disease and celebrate progress in response to the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of the HIV infection.

Standing at 6 feet, 9 inches, Magic Johnson is probably the world’s tallest elf. For 13 years, the legendary NBA hall-of-famer was the big guy on basketball courts. Today, he’s just as famous for having a big heart for community service. The Magic Johnson Foundation, established in 1991, serves more than 250,000 disadvantaged persons annually through a variety of community outreach services.

Most recently, the Magic Johnson Foundation and FedEx teamed up...

For the fourth year in a row, I put on my biking shoes and pedaled from Miami to Key West Florida. The beautiful weather and sandy beaches will not deter or distract me from reaching my goal.

SMART Ride 8, a FedEx sponsored event, is a two-day 165 mile South Florida bike ride that increases awareness, fights prejudice and improves education about HIV/AIDS. All pledges or 100 percent raised by participants support AIDS direct service organizations such as Broward House, Inc., Metropolitan Charities, Inc., Center for Positive Connections, AIDS Help, Miracle of Love and Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, Inc. The SMART Ride has raised more than three million U.S. dollars over eight years. This year, the SMART Ride rose over $675,724, representing a 40 percent increase over 2010.

"...Each time, usually around the halfway point, Pismo Beach, I say to myself, “There’s gotta be an easier way to get down to LA.” And each time, I answer myself: “Yep. There are easier ways. But none as rewarding.”

I’m riding with 2,500 of my closest friends in AIDS/Lifecycle 10, the tenth anniversary of this 550-mile seven-day trip that raises money to combat HIV/AIDS."...