Lisa Lampanelli Wins $100,000 for GMHC on NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice

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Krishna Stone | 212.367.1016

New York, NY — On the May 6th segment of "Celebrity Apprentice," Lisa Lampanelli won $100,000 for Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation's oldest HIV/AIDS care, prevention and advocacy provider.  In total, Ms. Lampanelli raised a remarkable $130,000 from three competitions before being fired by Mr. Trump.  However, she will be part of the last two episodes on May 13 and 20.

"We are honored that Lisa chose GMHC as her charity," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC. "This year marks the 30th anniversary of GMHC and we could not be more pleased that Lisa worked hard to raise much-needed funds to support our care services for thousands of men, women and families affected by HIV/AIDS, our HIV prevention programs and advocacy efforts at all levels of government."

May 20th is also the same day as the 27th annual AIDS Walk New York, proceeds of which benefit GMHC and 40 other AIDS service organizations in the tri-state area.  Ms. Lampanelli has been a supporter of AIDS Walk New York.  She has also volunteered to serve lunches in GMHC's Meal's Program which annually provides close to 90,000 hot meals to people living with HIV/AIDS.

In May 2011, her generosity took on another level to fight homophobia, bigotry and hatred. Ms. Lampanelli performed her comedy showcase at the Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, Kansas. Members of Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church, headed by Fred Phelps and known for its extreme anti-gay views, planned to protest Lampanelli's show because of her steadfast support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.  In response to the protest, Ms. Lampanelli pledged to donate $1,000 to GMHC for each protestor who showed up. In the end, she donated $50,000 and brought the check to the organization's new offices at 446 West 33rd Street in New York City.

"We know that to end HIV/AIDS, we must also continue to address homophobia and stigma which are lethal drivers of this disease," added Hill.  "We need more people like Lisa Lampanelli to help us by utilizing their creativity, talent, skills and generosity.  While we are saddened that Lisa is no longer on 'The Celebrity Apprentice,' we are glad to have watched and cheered her on.  She is one of our heroes."

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About GMHC
GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS.  We provide prevention and care services to men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City.  We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.  Our mission:  GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.