December 1 is internationally recognized as World AIDS Day, a day meant to create awareness of HIV and AIDS. Through memorials, events and fundraisers, creativity seems to be the best way for promoting education and research on the epidemic.

One prominent campaign this year is the Digital Life Sacrifice, in which many celebrities plan to sign off of their social networking outlets for as long as it takes fans to donate $1 million to Keep A Child Alive. The AIDS charity, championed by musician, Alicia Keys, “is dedicated to providing life-saving AIDS treatment, care and support services to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India by directly engaging the global public in the fight against AIDS.”

Data indicates that in 2007 more than 33 million people were living with AIDS worldwide. Though treatments exist, there is no cure. Organizations like Keep A Child Alive work to make treatment and care accessible to those living with the disease.

As the day progresses, keep your eyes open for donation updates as the Facebook newsfeeds and Twitter pages go inactive for Lady GaGa, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys and others until that $1 million mark is reached.

This is likely an effective means to raise money very quickly, as we all appreciate the significant value of social media as part of our personal and professional lives – and don’t know what to do without it.  In fact, we hope you’re connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter.