May 12, 2014
Latino Commission on AIDS Holds Cielo Latino Gala
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
On Wednesday, May 14, The Latino Commission on AIDS will recognize the work of leaders Janssen Therapeutics, Mondo Guerra and Maria Majia at Cielo Latino 14, the annual gala held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
Janssen Therapeutics will be recognized with the Business Leadership Award, for their mission to improve the lives of patients. Mejia, an outspoken advocate for people living with HIV, will receive the Voz de Compromiso Award. And Guerra will take home the Ilka Award for using his design talent and personal experience as a tool to further HIV awareness.
"Designing a World without AIDS" is the theme for Cielo Latino 2014, an evening of Solidarity, Action and Commitment to raise awareness of the impact of AIDS amongst Hispanics in the United States and Puerto Rico, as well as to continue the journey to reach an AIDS-free generation. The Latino Commission on AIDS believes that by coming together, the Latino community will send a strong message of hope and action that will overcome any challenge in reaching healthy communities free of stigma and discrimination.
Actor Rosie Perez is honorary chair and entertainment will be provided by International salsa sensation Jose Alberto "El Canario." Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler is the 2014 Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS and is scheduled to appear. Others expected to make appearances include actors Tony Plana and Ally Sheedy, singer Henry Santos and designer Sully Bonnelly.
The event will feature a silent auction with items contributed by local businesses, organizations, artist and collectors, with 100 percent of proceeds to support the Latino Commission on AIDS. Some items include dinner for two at ABC Cocina, ABC Kitchen, Cipriani Wall Street and any David Burke restaurant, a two night weekend stay in an Andaz King, a three-night stay at the Biltmore Miami-Coral Galbes, gift baskets from Kiehls or Bumble and Bumble, an ink drawing by Carlos Aponte, a "Silence=Death" 2011 print, and the first complete monograph of Warholian fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez.
The Cielo Latino Gala raises funds in support of the Latino Commission on AIDS to create and promote HIV, AIDS service programs and initiatives aimed at increased awareness, prevention, and treatment education of HIV & AIDS for Hispanic/Latinos, as well as to build capacity among other HIV/AIDS organizations serving Latino communities throughout the U.S. and the Territories.
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
