The Latino Commission on AIDS, a Manhattan-based non-profit organization that works on improving health and health care access for people in the Latino community living with AIDS, held its ninth annual Cielo Latino benefit on May 26 at the Copacabana.
The event, which raised more than $325,000 and drew a record turnout, honored Roselyn Sanchez, the Puerto Rican film and television actress who has been a steadfast AIDS activist; Lupe Ontiveros, a performer, producer, and activist whose films have included “Selena”and “Real Women Have Curves;” salsa sensation and Grammy-nominee India, who grew up in the South Bronx and has been outspoken on the issue of HIV prevention; Anna Carbonell, vice president of WNBC/Telemundo; Dr. Howard Grossman, the longtime AIDS physician; and the late Joe Capestany of the New York City AIDS Housing Network.
Dennis deLeon, the Commission’s executive director, said, “It gives me tremendous pleasure to announce these awards to individuals who have a strong and positive identity within the Latino community and who walk the walk, alongside the Commission, to stop the scourge of HIV/AIDS.”
DeLeon is pictured with Ontiveros and actress Rosie Perez. Sanchez is flanked by actor Gabriel Romero.