“Renew, Restore, Rejoice” were the inspiring words on the invitation to Project Lazarus' annual Guardian Angel Award Gala. Since 1985, Project Lazarus has been helping heal and help people living with HIV/AIDS by focusing on wellness, housing and support services.
The benefit, held May 19 at the JW Marriott Hotel, also serves as a way to honor the organization’s Guardian Angels, noted for being exemplary volunteers or community partners of Project Lazarus, who have positively helped the agency through a variety of ways, such as hands-on support or fundraising.
This year’s Guardian Angels honorees were Jason Waguespack and the late David G. Lumpkin.
“Our Annual Guardian Angel Awards Gala brings together Project Lazarus’ strongest supporters who have so generously given their time, talent and support to serve and empower people living with HIV/AIDS in our community,” said Executive Director Susanne B. Dietzel, Ph.D. “We could not be prouder to honor this year’s awardees Jason Waguespack and David Lumpkin who have made lasting contributions to our organization.”
A special remembrance also took place for the late Fr. Paul Desrosiers, a co-founder of Project Lazarus with the Rev. Bob Pawell, who passed away in 2017.
In addition to the honors, the event featured a three-course meal and silent and live auctions, with two highlights being a seven-day stay in Puerto Vallarta and artwork from David Lumpkin. Mark Romig was live auctioneer. DJ Ang provided the music to keep the party going.
Event co-chairs were Danny Akers and Sr. Judy Gomila, MSC.
Fun Fact: Fr. Desrosiers' sister, Arlene Izzo, flew in from Rhode Island to attend.
Brad Taylor, Lily Hannigan, Jim Mounger, Jorge Munoz
David Cortez-Backer, Jason Allen
Gary Schiro, Jane Wilbert, Robert Lucky
Jason Waguespack, Craig Rachel, Gregory Domingue
Susanne Dietsel, Randy Jackson, Lisa Johnson
Tandra Le May, Rodney Thoulion
