A Thousand and One Champions Gala

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APICHA commemorates its 20th Anniversary, Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the Grand Hyatt. Come join us at our A Thousand and One Champions Gala to recognize supporters who have stood by us as we grew from a purely volunteer-run HIV prevention organization to a premier comprehensive service provider. The event starts at 6:30. The Grand Hyatt is located on East 42nd St. over the Grand Central Station.

The Honorees:

Abigail Alvarez, Philanthropist – Ms. Alvarez has supported APICHA since 2003.  Additionally, she is involved in Mt. Sinai’s gene therapy program (liver cancer) and NJ SEEDS (Scholars, Educators, Excellence, Dedication, Success), a non-profit organization that has placed 1,000 low-income students in the state’s elite prep schools.

Christopher Bates, Director, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, U.S. Health and Human Services – Mr. Bates is a senior health program and policy analyst with 20 years of experience.  His office administers the Congressionally-appropriated funds for the Minority AIDS Initiative as well as the Leadership Campaign on AIDS, the National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign, and a variety of new media activities designed to better educate the public on HIV/AIDS.

Humberto Cruz, Director, AIDS Institute, NYS Department of Health – Mr. Cruz has served in management positions in New York State government and community-based organizations for 25 years.  He has been instrumental in the development of a comprehensive continuum of care for people with HIV and AIDS in New York.

Adisa Douglas, Former Senior Program Officer, Public Welfare Foundation – Ms. Douglas was a Senior Program Officer at the Public Welfare Foundation for over 16 years.  Her AIDS grant making included the implementation of a grants strategy focused on populations with highest rates of HIV/AIDS but with the least access to resources: women of color, youth, men of color who have sex with men, and injecting drug users.  She is the author of Harm Reduction: A Critical Strategy in AIDS Prevention, a widely used resource on needle exchange, published by Public Welfare in 1999 and 2006 (revised edition).  Currently, she serves as a Senior Adviser to the Funders Network on Population, Reproductive Health and Rights.

NYS Senator Tom Duane – State Senator Duane represents New York’s 29th State Senatorial District.  He was first elected to the State Senate in 1988 and became the first openly-gay and HIV-positive member.  He is a defender of a woman's right to choose, committed to full civil rights for LGBT New Yorkers, an activist for parks and open space and protecting the environment, in addition to his long time concern for the rights of tenants and the availability of affordable housing. He is also a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the terrible stigma surrounding this public health problem.

June Jee, Director of External Affairs, Verizon Foundation - As an active member in the community, Ms. Jee currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Museum of Chinese in the Americas, United East Athletic Association, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies.  Ms. Jee is also a member of the Asian American Justice Center’s Business Advisory Council and a member of Thirteen WNET Tri-State Community Advisory Board.

To register for the event and donate, click here.