Just Say “NO”

The NO/AIDS Task Force celebrated its silver anniversary with class and style this year, raising money and awareness for their noble cause as well as honoring those who exemplify all the nonprofit stands for in creating its “Partnership for Life”. More than 350 individuals converged at the Sheraton New Orleans on Saturday, January 24, first for a cocktail hour in the Armstrong Ballroom, then a sit-down dinner catered by the award-winning hotel. Keynote speaker Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan White, delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech. Jerry Christopher’s Jazz Band provided entertainment throughout the evening, which also took time to recognize the 25 awardees of the gala. According to T.J. Rogers, marketing coordinator for the Task Force, these organizations and persons were honored due to their unwavering support, compassion and talent over the past quarter-century. Whether it was time or money donated to the organization, these people made a difference in the lives of those living with HIV and AIDS. Included among those honored were Odyssey House, Katy Caldwell, Bristol Myers Squibb, Jean Redmann, Pam Holm, Lisa Breland, Tommy Crane, Nicole Sheppard, JoAnn Moinet, The Times-Picayune, Arthur Roger and the Mayor’s Office of Health Policy and AIDS Funding. In total the evening raised nearly $30,000 for the foundation, funds that will go to their various community outreach programs.