Audrey’s Society Whirl: Elizabeth Glaser AIDS Foundation Gala Honors J&J, Cookie Johnson and Amy Towers

*On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) announced that Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical and consumer goods manufacturers, will be matching monetary donations to the Foundation from now until Mother’s Day, up to $1 million. This gift will support the Foundation as it works to eliminate pediatric AIDS and keep mothers and their babies around the world healthy.

The generous gift, which was announced at the first annual Global Champions of a Mother’s Fight Gala held in New York at the Mandarin Oriental hotel on Wednesday, February 20, 2013, represents another step in the movement towards an “AIDS-free generation” and a sign of Johnson & Johnson’s continued commitment to the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Charles Lyons, Foundation president and CEO, says that Johnson & Johnson’s gift will go far in the Foundation’s efforts to keep mothers and babies safe and HIV-free.  “This gift is indicative of Alex Gorsky and Johnson & Johnson’s deep belief in our work to prevent the transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies and advocating for the needs of children living with HIV, “he said.  “With their generous support, we’re one step closer to the beginning of the end of AIDS.”

In addition to honoring Johnson & Johnson for the company’s longtime leadership work on behalf of people living with HIV in the fight to end pediatric AIDS, the first annual EGPAF global gala also honored Cookie Johnson, philanthropist, child advocate, spokesperson for women’s health, and board member of the Magic Johnson Foundation; and Amy Towers, founder of the Nduna Foundation, for their unparalleled work in the fight to eliminate HIV/AIDS.

“Elizabeth was very instrumental in helping my husband and me to join the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Johnson said at the awards dinner.  “She encouraged us to fight not only for ourselves but for all of those who didn’t have a voice.  I’m grateful for the fight Elizabeth instilled in us and humbled to receive this prestigious honor.”

Over 300 philanthropists, corporate leaders, and media dedicated to creating an AIDS-free generation attended the event and enjoyed an evening filled with lavishness.  With a beautiful backdrop décor custom-designed by model Karlie Kloss and designer Jason Wu, guests enjoyed a globally inspired menu by Iron Chef and Founder of Chefs for Humanity Cat Cora as well as a special performance by two time Grammy Award winner Melanie Fiona who engagingly performed L.O.V.E. and her Grammy nominated hit Wrong Side of a Love Song.

During a captivating program moment Arianna Huffington led a thought provoking panel with the three honorees.  Other speakers included EGPAF board co-chair Willow Bay, president and CEO Chip Lyons, and Florence Ngobeni-Allen, mother, AIDS advocate, and EGPAF Global Ambassador from South Africa.

Other notable guests who enjoyed the exclusive event included Alex Gorsky, Tea Leoni, Nigel Barker, Ali Wentworth, Jake Glaser, Eugenia Silva, Fatima …read more
Source: Electronic Urban Report

The post Audrey’s Society Whirl: Elizabeth Glaser AIDS Foundation Gala Honors J&J, Cookie Johnson and Amy Towers appeared first on I Am Mo Better.