Benefit Gala for The Delaware HIV Consortium
May 13th, 2005
The Nemours Building
Wilmington, Delaware

The Delaware HIV Consortium announces another first for the state: its inaugural WOW Awards Gala. This Gala was held on Friday, May 13th at the Nemours Building in downtown Wilmington.

The focus of the WOW Awards Gala is the Red Ribbon Awards, which recognizes excellence in HIV/AIDS, philanthropy, volunteerism, fundraising, client services, and leadership. The Red Ribbon Awards are given to local individuals and organizations whose efforts have impacted the HIV/AIDS field.

Consortium executive director Peter Houle says the awards reflect milestones in the fight against the disease that consistently places Delaware in the top five for infection rates. “These individuals and organizations have paved the way for successful developments in HIV and AIDS – from client care to volunteerism to fundraising to community leadership,” Houle states

The WOW Awards Gala celebrates fine cuisine, fabulous entertainment and a silent auction. To mark the evening, a slate of special guests was scheduled.

Heather Tom, star of ABC’s hit daytime drama “One Life to Live,” served as the Consortium’s special guest star. Ms. Tom has garnered critical acclaim and two Emmy Awards for her ability to portray emotionally complex, turbulent characters on television. Off-camera, however, she is much more grounded and stays actively involved in reaching out to others.

Ms. Tom was joined by Tamala Edwards, news anchor at WPVI-TV/Channel 6 (ABC) in Philadelphia, who served as the emcee for the evening. A renowned journalist, Ms. Edwards has built a solid background in covering many aspects of hard news. Prior to joining ABC in 2001, she served as a correspondent in the Washington, D.C. bureau of Time magazine from 1995 to 1997, where she covered politics, society and breaking news. Before coming to Washington in 1995, she worked for two years as a Time reporter in New York, covering international news.

Rounding out the evening’s roster of special guests was Broadway star Kevin McGuire, who provided the night’s entertainment. A graduate of the Juilliard School in New York, Mr. McGuire has led a successful theatre career that includes lead roles in “Les Miserables” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”

The WOW AWARDS also presented their guests with acclaimed stage actress and singer Mona Caywood. Nicknamed “The Voice” for her wide-ranging vocal talents, Ms. Caywood has performed lead roles in “Evita,” “Oliver!” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Dr. David Cohen		Ryan White Award
John Baker, AIDS Delaware		Ally Award
Sen. Margaret Rose Henry		Visionary Award
M.A.C. Cosmetics		Impact Award
BPG Real Estate Services, Chris Buccini & Robert Buccini		Leadership Award
Delores & Kim Alfano		Volunteer of the Year Award
The News Journal		Corporate Award
Mayor James Baker		Community Award
Wilmington City Council		Community Award
Brother Ronald Giannone, Ministry of Caring		Guardian Angel Award
Kiwanis Club – Wilmington/Brandywine Phillip Arendall, President		Organization Award

MAC VIVA GLAM
The Planning Factory
Buccini/Polin Group & BPG Real Estate Services
Diamond State Party Rentals
CORT Furniture Rentals
Saffron Fine Catering
Hadfields Seafood
Mikimotos
Morning Star Coffee
Moro Restaurant
Gallagher & Gallagher The Caterers
LeBus Bakery
Sidney Frank Importing Wine Company
Moore Brothers Wine Company
Century Wine & Spirits
Appleton Catering
821 Bistros
TAWS Printing
DJ Tease

Tickets to 2005 WOW Awards Gala were $125 each. This included the five-course meal served as well as wine and tequilla.