Savor 2013

GMHC Held 5th Annual SAVOR Benefit Dinner Hosted by Cynthia Nixon

 Honored Keith Haring Foundation and Joy Tomchin with the Judith Peabody Award

 March 22, 2013 (New York, NY)

On Thursday, March 21st, 2013, GMHC (www.gmhc.org) hosted its fifth annual culinary gala, SAVOR, at Cipriani 42nd St. The gastronomic fundraiser attracted a high profile crowd of philanthropists and business leaders in support of honorees Joy Tomchin and the Keith Haring Foundation who both received the inaugural Judith Peabody Humanitarian Award. SAVOR spotlights the important role of the food and nutrition program at GMHC, one of the few AIDS service organizations in New York to offer hunger relief services as part of its array of care services. The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches and stories creating an overwhelming sense of community and care for GMHC and the fight against AIDS. .    

Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, GMHC’s Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the guests to New York’s iconic Cipriani 42nd St. before passing the microphone to Cynthia Nixon who hosted the event. Guests enjoyed touching and heartfelt remarks from GMHC’s Chef Wilson Rodriguez and guest speaker David Fazio, GMHC’s own Chief Financial Officer, as well as a living GMHC success story. The night also included a successful live auction conducted by Emily Tisch Sussman and Jennifer Wright. 

The late Judith Peabody was a dedicated volunteer and life-long supporter of GMHC. In celebrating her life and recognizing her 30-year commitment to the fight against AIDS, the Judith Peabody Humanitarian Award was presented to Academy Award nominated film producer, Joy Tomchin, for her extraordinary service, dedication, and support to GMHC. Joy was presented the award by David France, director of How to Survive a Plague. A second Judith Peabody Award was presented to Julia Gruen, Executive Director of The Keith Haring Foundation who accepted the award on behalf of the foundation for its tireless efforts to fund AIDS service organizations, as well as programs aimed at providing assistance and opportunities for impoverished youth.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and a specially designed four-course dinner menu from some of New York’s most celebrated chefs, including Alex Guarnaschelli of New York City’s Butter, Justin Warner of Food Network’s “Next Food Network Star”, Silvano Fiorindo of Cipriani, and Colleen Grapes of New York’s The Red Cat and The Harrison. Overall, the grand event raised over $475,000 to benefit GMHC’s work in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy.

Guest included: Cynthia Nixon, Joy Tomchin, Julia Gruen, Myron Sulzberger Rolfe, Mike Ruiz, Martin Berusch, Lee Dainels, David France, David Fazio, Ben Bauer, Larry Kramer, Mark Harrington, Peter Staley, Raphael Miranda, Sam Avrett, Ted Snowdon, Emily Tisch Sussman, Jennifer Wright, Laurie Tisch, and NYS Senator Brad Hoylman.

Photos can be downloaded at:
GMHC's 5th Annual SAVOR Dinner Hosted By Cynthia Nixon

ABOUT GAY MEN'S HEALTH CRISIS
GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to leading the fight against AIDS on a national platform. They provide prevention and care services to men, women and families that are living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City. They also advocate scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide. Our mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplifts the lives of all affected. For more information, visit  www.gmhc.org

 ABOUT THE KEITH HARING FOUNDATION
The mission of the Keith Haring Foundation is to sustain, expand, and protect the legacy of Keith Haring, his art, and his ideals. The Foundation supports not-for-profit organizations that assist children, as well as organizations involved in education, research and care related to AIDS.

Keith Haring (1958-1990) generously contributed his talents and resources to numerous causes. He conducted art workshops with children, created logos and posters for public service agencies, and produced murals, sculptures, and paintings to benefit health centers and disadvantaged communities. In 1989, Keith established a foundation to ensure that his philanthropic legacy would continue indefinitely.

The Keith Haring Foundation makes grants to not-for-profit groups that engage in charitable and educational activities. In accordance with Keith’s wishes, the Foundation concentrates its giving in two areas: The support of organizations which provide educational opportunities to underprivileged children and the support of organizations which engage in education, prevention and care with respect to AIDS and HIV infection. Keith Haring additionally charged the Foundation with maintaining and protecting his artistic legacy after his death. The Foundation maintains a collection of art along with archives that facilitate historical research about the artist and the times and places in which he lived and worked. The Foundation supports arts and educational institutions by funding exhibitions, educational programs, acquisitions and publications that serve to contextualize and illuminate the artist’s work and philosophy.

 ABOUT “HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE”
How to Survive a Plague” is nominated for a 2013 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The documentary feature follows a group of young, predominately HIV-positive men and women, as they infiltrate the pharmaceutical industry and demand recognition from Capitol Hill. Directed by David France, written by T. Woody Richman and Tyler Walker, and produced by Joy Tomchin and Dan Cogan, the film features never-before-seen documentary footage of the formation of two vital coalitions, ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) and TAG (Treatment Action Group). The film was acquired by IFC/Sundance Selects and released on September 21, 2012. The DVD release of the film is slated for February 26, 2013.

Press Coverage:

Marjorie Hill, Cynthia Nixon, and Myron Sulzberger Rolfe
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Interview Magazine

Click here to view exclusive photos from the event!