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Noel Alicea
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GMHC DISHES UP SAVOR,
A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH FRANCE
Activist/author Urvashi Vaid honored
Click here to see photos.
New York, NY/March 11, 2008–Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) hosted Savor, featuring the outstanding culinary talents of some of New York's finest French chefs on Monday, March 10, 2008 at Skylight Studio. Hosted by Ted Allen of Bravo TV's Top Chef and Queer Eye, this year's event honored renowned activist and author, Urvashi Vaid, Executive Director of the Arcus Foundation. Ms. Vaid was honored in a special presentation featuring award-winning playwright and author Tony Kushner. The event raised $650,000 for GMHC's programs and services.
"Urvashi Vaid has dedicated her life to the fearless pursuit of social justice and equality," commented Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC. "She is a true icon for all of us who advocate for civil and human rights. We are proud to acknowledge her many contributions on behalf of our community and I am honored to call her my friend."
Savor offered a deliciously decadent four-course French-themed dinner to 400 guests, prepared by all-star chefs: Tony Aiazzi of Aureole, Jason Hicks of Orsay, Victoria Love of the Water Club and Galen Zamarra of Mas (Farmhouse). The event brought a new twist to the traditional dining experience by surrounding guests with panoramic images of France throughout the evening. The first course transported guests to the city of Paris with a 270-degree view of one of the most recognizable urban landscapes in the world. During the next courses, guests "traveled" to the vineyards of Burgundy, the wine vaults of the Rhône Valley and the lavender fields of Provence. The evening included musical performances by Jenna Russell and Daniel Evans from the Roundabout Theatre's production of Sunday in the Park with George, and Naomi Emmerson as Edith Piaf, from her one-woman show, Piaf: Love Conquers All. George McNeely of Christie's donated his services as auctioneer.
Guests departed with a special chocolate gift from pastry chef Nancy Olsen of Gramercy Tavern, and a commemorative program journal featuring recipes from celebrities such as Barbara Cook, Liz Smith, Christine Ebersole, Kathryn Erbe, Tim Gunn, Lady Bunny, and Elaine Stritch.
Merck & Co. was the Presenting Sponsor for Savor. Other top sponsors included Fiona and Stanley Druckenmiller, EMD Serono, Leslie Fay Pomerantz, Clifford Chance, Orasure Technologies, Prudential, and the Tomorrow Foundation.
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling this mission, we will remain true to our heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
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