Cielo Latino Gala Unmasks AIDS and Commits to Address Health Challenges in Latino Communities

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Latino Commission on AIDS held its annual Cielo Latino benefit gala on May 10^th at Cipriani Wall Street in a room full of stars, business & community leaders, and distinguished honorees.

“We are re-committed to implementing prevention, education, HIV testing initiatives and connecting people to medical care. The supporters of Cielo Latino and the Latino Commission on AIDS represent hope that we will meet our diverse communities’ needs”

Cielo Latino, the largest fundraiser for Latino/Hispanic AIDS initiatives in the U.S., came alive this year with the theme AIDS Unmasked, which unveiled the many issues still affecting people living with HIV/AIDS, including stigma and health issues such as diabetes and hepatitis. This year’s gala was hosted by Emmy Award-winning reporter Tom Llamas and honored Anderson Cooper with the Compañero Award, Jose “Pepe” Morales Jr., Pioneer Award, Humberto Cruz, Dennis de Leon Voz de Compromiso Award, and Gilead, with the Business Leadership Award.

“Far too many people are living with HIV and don’t even know it. Far too many will become infected because they don’t have access to information or medical care. You’ve helped so many people overcome the obstacles they face to prevent them from getting tested or getting treated; obstacles of poverty, language, immigration concerns, social stigma. You’re serving populations who are not being served well by others. I’m really moved to receive this award tonight because I’m so moved by your work, by your dedication, and your willingness to stand with those who have been ignored for far too long,” stated Anderson Cooper about the Latino Commission’s work.

Celebrity presenters and attendees included actors Rosie Perez, Lupe Ontiveros, Tony Plana, Wilson Cruz, Steve Guttenberg, Yancey Arias, and Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza. The Grammy-nominated salsa band the New Swing Sextet was the Commission’s headline performer, along with DJ Henry Knowles. “We are re-committed to implementing prevention, education, HIV testing initiatives and connecting people to medical care. The supporters of Cielo Latino and the Latino Commission on AIDS represent hope that we will meet our diverse communities’ needs,” commented Guillermo Chacon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS.

The funds raised from Cielo Latino allow the Commission to continue to provide critical and vital services to thousands through its innovative programs and initiatives, and millions more through its social marketing education, awareness, outreach, and treatment education campaigns.

For more information and to acknowledge our sponsors visit www.latinoaids.org/cielo

About the Latino Commission on AIDS

The Latino Commission on AIDS is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1990 dedicated to address the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino/Hispanic communities. The Commission is the leading national Latino AIDS organizations coordinating National Latino AIDS Awareness Day and other prevention, capacity building services and advocacy initiatives in more than 40 States & Puerto Rico. For more information visit: www.latinoaids.org or www.nlaad.org.

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