Erasing Stigmas and Getting To Zero! 2014 AIDS Foundation Luncheon Wows Houston

The AIDS Foundation of Houston held it’s Annual World’s AIDS Day Luncheon at the Westin Galleria last Monday. Co-Chairs Dominique Sachse and David Chaumette emceed the event which focused on the mantra of “Contributing today to help reach zero new infections”. This year, and for the first time, the Shelby Hodge Vision Award was presented to Texas Senator Rodney Ellis for his tireless work to help those inflicted with the disease and in the prevention of it. His wife Licia accepted the award on his behalf.

Keynote Speaker, Brandon Brown, MPH, PhD, spoke of the plight of those infected with AIDS in underprivileged parts of the world and presented the video “HIV Stigma: Personal Stories from Gay Men and Transgender Women in Peru”. Brown is Director of the Global Health Research, Education and Translation Initiative in the University of California Irvine Program in Public Health.

The Foundation’s CEO, Kelly Young thanked sponsors and the organization’s teams members and reminded attendees of the upcoming AIDS Walk Houston event in March. The AIDS Foundation of Houston is committed to a vision of a supportive community free of new HIV infections, where individuals affected by HIV/AIDS lead healthy and productive lives without stigma and discrimination. Founded in 1982, it is the first organization in Texas to provide services including benefits and resources counseling, case management, housing, and food and nutrition assistance to low-income, HIV+ men, women, and children.

Honorary Chair of Houston’s World AIDS Day Luncheon Travis Torrence once again did a fabulous job raising awareness and funds for a very important cause. Supporting the cause: Edward Sanchez, Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Jessica Rossman, Kim Padgett, AIDS Foundation CEO Kelly Young, Joni Baird of Chevron, and many other noted officials and dignitaries.

Sherif Adrian Garcia and Ruchi

Dr. Brandon Brown and Ruchi

David Chaumette, Dominique Sachse, Edward Sanchez