With colorful and compelling panels of The Names Project's AIDS Memorial Quilt as backdrop, more than 330 supporters of AIDS Foundation Houston filled the ballroom of the Hilton Americas-Houston for the World AIDS Day Luncheon.
Although Dec. 1 is the official commemorative date, AFH held its fundraiser on Monday and raised close to $200,000 for its efforts in the prevention of new HIV infections and in assisting and empowering individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Luncheon chairs Gordon Bethune and Jessica Rossman shared the spotlight with honorary chair Edward Sanchez.
Annually, key to the program is lead underwriter Chevron, represented by Joni Baird. Dignity Memorial Forest Park Westheimer underwrote the display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, the sections brought in from Washington D.C. for the luncheon.
The fundraiser honored the law firm of Katine & Nechman with Mitchell Katine and John Nechman accepting the 2012 Shelby Hodge Vision Award, presented by your's truly and Rossman. The law firm and its partners were recognized for their years of support for those wtih HIV/AIDS.
Applauding the "Getting to Zero" theme of the luncheon were guests including AFH board president Diane Lewter, auction chair Kim Padgett, John Evatz, Diane Caplan, Jeff Shell, Susie Hebert, Nick Espinosa, Cyndy Garza-Roberts, Kate Stukenberg, Dr. Roland Maldonado and Joel Bickley, Miya Shay and Gene Wu, Zach Lessig, Van Lessig, Matt Glasgow, Evan Thayer and Kenneth Gayle.
