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| amfAR Honors John Demsey, Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Roedy With Its Award of Courage |
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| New York, New York – Nearly $3 million was raised for amfAR's HIV/AIDS research programs January 31, 2007 at the Foundation's New York Gala honoring Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Roedy, Vice Chairman, MTV Networks, and John Demsey, Chairman, M·A·C AIDS Fund, for their vital and distinctive contributions to the global struggle against HIV/AIDS. The Foundation also paid special tribute to its Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim with the announcement of a newly established Krim Fellows research program, and awarded the inaugural Roy London Award to Sharon Stone, Chairman of amfAR's Campaign for AIDS Research. |
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| The gala, which took place at Cipriani 42nd St., opened with remarks by Tony Award-winning actress Natasha Richardson, who recently joined amfAR's Board of Trustees, and included a performance by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. In addition to amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, Maria Cuomo Cole, and a number of amfAR trustees, celebrities who came out in support of the event included Richard Gere, Carey Lowell, Sigourney Weaver, Kim Cattrall, Stanley Tucci, Julia Stiles, Milla Jovovich, Carmen Hawk, Carol Alt, Donna Karan, Petra Nemcova, Soon Yi, Joseph Cross, Jeffrey Wright, and reigning Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera. |
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| Goldberg, Demsey, and Roedy each received amfAR's Award of Courage for outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furtherance of the Foundation's mission and for playing a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research. Award presentations were made by Richard Gere, Eve, and Beyoncé respectively. |
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| Sharon Stone received the inaugural Roy London Award for her tireless efforts and steadfast commitment to the fight against AIDS. Roy London, Stone's friend and acting coach, died of AIDS in the early 1990s, and it was his death that provided her with the inspiration to dedicate so much of her time and energy over the past 12 years to amfAR. Garry Shandling, Stone's long-time friend and fellow student of London's, presented her with the award. |
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| Woody Allen, a long-time amfAR supporter, offered a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Mathilde Krim. Dr. Krim, who co-founded amfAR in 1985 with Elizabeth Taylor, has raised millions of dollars for AIDS research, testified numerous times before Congress, and has been featured on televison and in print helping to educate the public on the disease and how it can be prevented. |
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| Following Allen's tribute, amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole surprised Dr. Krim and guests with the announcement of a Mathilde Krim Fellows in Basic Biomedical Research program, established in her honor. Two-thirds of the $3 million raised last night will benefit the Krim Fellows program and will help ensure that young researches continue to enter the field of AIDS research knowing that support will be available for the development and testing of innovative concepts and novel approaches to HIV/AIDS research. |
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| amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested nearly $250 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide. |
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About the M·A·C AIDS Fund
M·A·F, the heart and soul of M·A·C cosmetics, was established in 1994 to support men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. M·A·F gives money to fund education, awareness and prevention programs world-wide and provides financial support to organizations serving those with HIV/AIDS and marginalized populations at a high risk of infection. Earlier this year, Eve joined the VIVA GLAM VI campaign along with legendary rocker Debbie Harry, burlesque star Dita Von Teese and music icon, Lisa Marie Presley. To date M·A·C has raised over $86 million (U.S.) for the M·A·C AIDS Fund. |
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