New York, NY, June 8, 2006 – amfAR raised $375,000 last night as it honored leaders in the gay and lesbian community who have played pioneering roles in the fight against AIDS. Academy Award winner Kathy Bates hosted the event, which took place at the Rainbow Room in New York City, and Tony Award winner Betty Buckley entertained guests with two medleys.
amfAR's seventh annual Honoring with Pride benefit recognized David Bohnett of the Bohnett Foundation (read David Bohnett's acceptance speech here); New York City social activist and restaurateur Florent Morellet; and global AIDS activist Peter van Rooijen of the Netherlands. David Mixner presented David Bohnett with his award, Diane Von Furstenberg presented Florent Morellet with his, and David Gold presented to Peter van Rooijen.
amfAR's founding chairman, Dr. Mathilde Krim, made the evening's opening remarks. The continuing, passionate commitment of the honorees to the fight against AIDS was evident in their eloquent acceptance speeches, each of which drew a standing ovation from the 350-person crowd.
Honoring with Pride is held each year to pay tribute to individuals whose leadership and vision have contributed significantly to the gay and lesbian community's historic response to the AIDS crisis. Past honorees include Howard Grossman, M.D., Theresa McGovern, J.D., Andrew Tobias, Zackie Achmat, Jonathan Canno, Harvey Fierstein, Sister Mary Elizabeth, O.S.M., Tony Kushner, Dan Osheyack, Mois S Agosto-Rosario, Cornelius Baker, the Honorable James C. Hormel, Nan Hunter, Larry Kramer, Kenneth Mayer, M.D., Peter Staley, Urvashi Vaid, Tim Westmoreland, and Phill Wilson.
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.
amfAR recognizes American Airlines for its commitment to the fight against AIDS and its generous support for amfAR's mission.