The NAMES Project originated in San Francisco in 1987. Its purpose is to use the AIDS
Memorial Quilt to help bring AIDS to an end. The quilt commemorates those who have
died of AIDS, raises awareness of the disease, and raises funds for those who are
living with HIV and AIDS. The quilt, which now covers an area larger than 12
football fields, has been displayed in over 1,000 different venues around the
country, including the national Mall in Washington, D.C.
