NEW YORK, May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Latino Commission on AIDS commemorated its 25th anniversary at its annual Cielo Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York last Friday night with an exuberant evening filled with fashion, celebrity appearances, award presentations, music, dancing, and the commitment of a new generation of ambassadors and leaders to "Design a World Without AIDS." That was the theme of the night as over 400 guests paid tribute to the organization, recognizing its landmark accomplishments over the years and pledging support for its ongoing work and mission.
Stars Unite in Tribute to Latino Commission on AIDS' 25th Anniversary. Will You?
Richard Gonzalez, Benefit Committee Chair with Madrinas and Padrino, Justina Machado, Miss Universe 2014, Paulina Vega, Astra, Evette Rios, Carlos Campos, Ana Villafane
Co-hosts, actor JW Cortez and NBC4 anchor Sibila Vargas with Latino Commission on AIDS President Guillermo Chacon
Cielo Gala 2015 – "Designing a World Without AIDS"
Eduardo Morales with fashion designer Mondo Guerra and Latino Commission on AIDS President Guillermo Chacon
"While the battle against HIV and AIDS is different today than it was 25 years ago, our mission to fight the spread of the virus and the disease in the Latino community has not changed," said Guillermo Chacon, president of the Latino Commission. "We have stood by our community for a quarter century and know that the best way to achieve our goals is with their engagement and participation. The commitment from our community to continue the fight with us, after 25 years, was made evident through their support of our anniversary tribute and we are so proud of that."
This year's Cielo, the largest fundraiser for Latino/Hispanic AIDS initiatives in the U.S, included award presentations to Dan O'Connell, director, AIDS Institute of the NYS Department of Health; Justin Toro, clinical social worker, Adolescent AIDS Program at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore; and, to Delta Air Lines.
A new generation of supporters, activists and volunteer leaders made an imprint on the evening and contributed to the success of the gala. Designer and Project Runway All-Stars winner Mondo Guerra, who was honorary co-chair of the gala, presented a gallery show of his latest fashions. Decorated veteran and actor in the Fox hit series "Gotham" JW Cortez joined NBC 4 New York news anchor Sibila Vargas as co-hosts, and a new cadre of madrinas and padrinos were installed. Joining Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega, these included actors Justina Machado, Evette Rios and Ana Villafane, who debuts on Broadway playing the role of Gloria Estefan in the fall, fashion designer Carlos Campos, and radio personality Astra.
The funds raised from the Cielo Gala allow the Latino Commission to continue to provide vital services to thousands through its innovative programs and initiatives, and millions more through its social marketing education, awareness, outreach, and bilingual treatment education campaigns. For more information about the Latino Commission on AIDS, visit www.latinoaids.org.
About the Latino Commission on AIDS
The Latino Commission on AIDS (Commission) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1990 dedicated to meet the health challenges and addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS. The Commission is the leading organization coordinating National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day (May 15), National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (October 15), Latinos and the Deep South, and other prevention, research, capacity building, and advocacy programs across the United States and its territories. The Latino Commission is the founder of the Hispanic Health Network, dedicated to eliminate health disparities in our communities.
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