|
Fifth YouthAIDS Gala Highlights Latin America,
Honors Richard Branson, Bolivian AIDS Activist
MCLEAN, Virginia, November 6, 2006 The 2006 YouthAIDS Gala Faces
of Latin America, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on October 13,
raised
over $1.4
million for PSI youth-focused HIV prevention programs.
YouthAIDS honored two individuals who have made significant strides
in the fight against HIV/AIDS Sir Richard Branson, founder of the
Virgin Group of Companies, for his dedication to fighting AIDS through
innovative business campaigns, and Violetta Ross, an HIV-positive Bolivian
activist, for leading advocacy efforts promoting the human rights of
people living with HIV.
"It is our honor to recognize the corporate and social contributions
of Richard and Violetta in the fight against AIDS," said Ashley
Judd, YouthAIDS Global Ambassador and gala hostess. "Through education
and prevention, we have a real opportunity to avert the HIV/AIDS emergency,
particularly in Central America. The work Richard and Violetta are
doing is desperately needed and they are setting important examples
of innovative responses to saving our future generations from this
pandemic."
The evening opened with a welcome from Gala Chairs Sheila
C. Johnson and William Newman (other gala chairs were Ted and Lynn
Leonsis). The evening included performances by five-time Grammy Award
winner Michael McDonald (formerly of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers)
and
Latin Grammy winner Jorge Moreno.
The event featured YouthAIDS U.S.
Ambassador Wynonna Judd and two new YouthAIDS ambassadors Actress
and Musician Emmy Rossum, (Phantom of the Opera) and Actor
Josh Lucas (Poseidon, Glory Road, A Beautiful
Mind),
the new PSI safe water ambassador, plus special guests Tim Gunn of
Project Runway and Miss Universe 2006 Zuleyka Rivera.
The gala theme, "Faces of Latin America," highlighted the
recent visit of Ashley Judd, Actress Salma Hayek and YouthAIDS Latin
America Ambassador Juanes to Central America. The 2006 YouthAIDS
Gala gathered "individuals from all
industries who share our commitment of protecting
young people
from HIV/AIDS," said Kate Roberts. "We are especially pleased
to have the opportunity to share the experiences of our recent journey
through Central America to help raise further awareness for a region
that is severely affected by HIV/AIDS."
David Olson, PSI/Washington
|
 |
 |
YouthAIDS Gala Honoree and HIV Advocate Violetta Ross
(right), with Miss Universe 2006 Zukeyka Rivera from Puerto
Rico
|
| |
 |
YouthAIDS Gala Honoree Sir Richard Branson
|
| |
|
|
