CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien to host Latino Commission on AIDS’s annual benefit gala

Latino Commission on AIDSFeb 9 2010

Soledad O’Brien, CNN’s celebrated anchor and special correspondent, will host the Latino Commission on AIDS’s annual benefit gala – Cielo Latino – to be held Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Cipriani Wall Street, Guillermo Chacon, president of the Commission, announced today.

“I have covered HIV/AIDS stories many times throughout my career; the topic and our fight against the disease continues to be vitally important. I am more than happy to do my part.”

The event marks the Commission’s 20^th anniversary and will look back at the organization’s work through the years and honor the life of Dennis deLeon, founder of the Commission who passed away on December 14, 2009.

“We are thrilled that Soledad O’Brien, a powerful voice in America, will join us in this very special tribute,” said Chacon. “With the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Latino community still at a crisis level, Soledad’s support of our cause at this juncture will help us demonstrate our determination in the fight against HIV/AIDS.”

Since joining CNN in 2003 and as part of their “Best Political Team on Television,” O’Brien has reported breaking news from around the globe and has produced award-winning documentaries on some of the most important stories facing the world today. Her most recent project, Latino in America, is a wide-ranging look at Latinos living in this country, how they are reshaping America, and how America is reshaping them.

“I am honored to join the Latino Commission on AIDS in this hallmark year to pay special tribute to its work over the last two decades and highlight the impact of Dennis deLeon’s contributions,” said O’Brien. “I have covered HIV/AIDS stories many times throughout my career; the topic and our fight against the disease continues to be vitally important. I am more than happy to do my part.”