Gere honoured for AIDS work in India

February 6, 2003

4 FEBRUARY 2003

Gere was joined by a roll-call of elegant celebrities,

including Liz Hurley, at a New York gala where he was honoured for

his tireless efforts to combat AIDS.

The American Foundation for AIDS Research paid tribute to the actor,

along with Saturday Night Live producer Lorne s and Vogue

editor Wintour, for their contributions to the struggle against

the illness.

The awards ceremony in New York was attended by former president Bill

Clinton and his wife Hillary as well as big names from the worlds of

fashion and cinema. Sharon Stone, Swank, Donna Karan, de

la Renta and Ralph were also present to applaud the 53-year-

old.

Up until now the AIDS crisis in Asia has gone fairly unnoticed by the

west, as the continuing catastrophe in Africa dominates the

headlines. has been working to help sufferers in India for

some years, however, and helped establish the country's first

residential clinic for women and orphans infected with HIV. He also

created the Gere Foundation India Trust which supports AIDS

prevention programs.

Lorne has meanwhile worked in fundraising for amfAR while

spearheaded the fashion industry's response to the illness. " We are

proud to have an opportunity to recognize the diverse and exemplary

effort contributions to the fight against AIDS made by these three

outstanding individuals, " said amfAR Chairman Mathilde Krim

Recommended Posts