NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Latino Commission on AIDS has announced the celebrities that are supporting this year’s Cielo Latino benefit gala. Among the list of attendance for this year’s event are actors Rosie Perez, Lupe Ontiveros, Tony Plana, Wilson Cruz and Yancey Arias, and Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning reporter Tony Llamas, Cielo Latino will honor, amongst others, CNN’s Anderson Cooper with the Compañero Award.
“The battle against HIV and AIDS seems to be getting more challenging with every passing year; it is an honor to have these celebrities join us in our fight and be present at this memorable evening,” said Guillermo Chacon, President of the Commission. “I want to thank all of the celebrities that support our cause by bringing visibility to the work of the Commission within our communities. They are all an inspiration of hope as we strive for a future without AIDS.”
Cielo Latino, the largest fundraiser for Latino AIDS initiatives in the U.S, will take place at Cipriani Wall Street New York City on May 10, 2011. The theme for this year’s star-studded benefit gala is AIDS Unmasked, which will unveil the many issues that affect people living with HIV/AIDS, including stigma and secondary health issues such as diabetes. The theme will come alive in an atmosphere of Carnivale, providing an opportunity to represent the myriad of Latino cultures and communities across the world.
Every year the event achieves a wide mix of celebrities, distinguished honorees, and notable guests within the Latino community. This year’s honorees will also include Jose “Pepe” Morales Jr., Pioneer Award, Humberto Cruz, Dennis de Leon Voz de Compromiso Award, and Gilead, Business Leadership Award.
The Grammy-nominated salsa band New Swing Sextet will be the Commission’s headline performer for the evening along with DJ Henry Knowles. Tickets for the event are on sale now and sponsorships are still available. For more information, please visit www.latinoaids.org/cielo or call 212-675-3288.
About the Latino Commission on Aids
The Latino Commission on AIDS is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community. Founded in 1990, the Commission realizes its mission by spearheading health advocacy for Latinos, promoting HIV education, developing model prevention programs for high-risk communities, and by building capacity in community organizations. Through its extensive network of member organizations and community leaders, the Commission works to mobilize an effective Latino community response to the health crisis created by HIV/AIDS. Today over 200,000 Latinos in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are living with HIV/AIDS.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6708502&lang=en