Richard 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 Michaels and Vogue editor Anna 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, Hilary Swank, Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren 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. Richard 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 Anna 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.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
