October 2014

Celebrities, Advocates, and Friends Gather for the 25th A Time For Heroes

Celebrities, advocates, and long-term friends of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) gathered to celebrate its 25th annual A Time for Heroes family festival on Sunday, Oct. 19 at the BookBindery in Culver City, CA.

It was fun and games for a serious cause: the event raised funds and awareness for EGPAF’s ongoing effort to achieve an AIDS-free generation. The festival honored pediatrician Peter Waldstein, M.D. for his longtime commitment to A Time for Heroes and advancing the work of EGPAF.

“My mother believed that each one of us can be a hero, that each one of us has a role in changing the world. And together we have done just that,” said Jake Glaser, son of Elizabeth Glaser and EGPAF Ambassador.

Since EGPAF’s founding 25 years ago, there has been a 95% decline in new HIV infections in the U.S., and a 51% decline in the number of new infections in children worldwide. But every day, 700 babies are infected with HIV because their families lack access to the health services they need to prevent transmission, so EGPAF continues its effort to end AIDS in children.

“Today is about celebrating our commitment to creating an AIDS-free generation,” remarked Charles Lyons, EGPAF president and CEO, at the event. “Simply put, without the support of each one of you, we would not be where we are today. For that we are truly thankful, and will continue our global efforts – until no child has AIDS.”

Over the organization’s 25-year history, many celebrities and public figures have worked with EGPAF to achieve an AIDS-free generation, including Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Robin Williams, and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The 25th annual A Time for Heroes festival continues that tradition.

Celebrities who attended A Time for Heroes included Celebrity Heroes Henry Winkler, Julie Bowen, Donald Faison, Judy Greer, and EJ Johnson. Denise Richards, Zach Braff, Neal McDonough, Jaime Pressly, Dot-Marie Jones from Fox’s “Glee,” Fall Out Boy musician Pete Wentz, MTV’s “Awkward” cast members Ashley Rickards and Beau Mirchoff; Rowan Blanchard and August Maturo from the Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World,” Keahu Kahuanui from MTV’s “Teen Wolf,”entertainer Kyle Massey, actresses Aimee Carrero, Perrey Reeves, and Kate Linder were also in attendance. “Survivor” host Jeff Probst, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member Adrienne Maloof, and young actors Nolan Gould from ABC’s “Modern Family,” star of NBC’s “About a Boy” Benjamin Stockham, Yara Shahidifrom ABC’s “Blackish,” and “The Hunger Games” Willow Shields also showed their support for a world where no child has AIDS. Hollywood Records recording artist and actress on Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World” Sabrina Carpenter closed the event with an acoustic musical performance.