USA: ELIZABETH TAYLOR ATTENDS A GALA EVENT AT ELLIS ISLAND FOR AMFAR - AIDS RESEARCH

Record ID: 389925

  • Title: USA: ELIZABETH TAYLOR ATTENDS A GALA EVENT AT ELLIS ISLAND FOR AMFAR - AIDS RESEARCH
  • Date: 21st June 2000
  • Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA (JUNE 21, 2000) (REUTERS) SLV NEW YORK CITY, PAN TO ELLIS ISLAND SMV PEOPLE STANDING OUTSIDE ELLIS ISLAND BUILDINGS CLOSE UP SIGN READING " ELLIS ISLAND IMMIGRATION MUSEUM" CUTAWAY PHOTOGRAPHERS, PAN TO ELIZABETH TAYLOR/ PHOTOGRAPHERS (3 SHOTS) SCU (SOUNDBITE) (English) ELIZABETH TAYLOR SAYING, REPORTER SAYING,"Do you think this work is still so i
  • Embargoed: 6th July 2000 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, US
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Entertainment,General,Health,People
  • Reuters ID: LVADJPUMTDSRW82V026ET7N8EGNP
  • Story Text: With the exception of her children, her charity work for AIDS research is now the 'only contructive thing to live for' Dame Liz Taylor says. The former movie star was speaking at a gala event at Ellis Island in New York harbour for AMFAR - the American Foundation for Aids Research.
    Just a ten minute boat ride from Manhattan, Ellis Island welcomed a crowd of people to honor those involved in the struggle to raise awareness and find a cure for AIDS.
    But the real attraction for the evening was famed screen star and a key supporter of The American Foundation for Aids Research (AMFAR), Dame Elizabeth Taylor.
    Taylor just acquired the title Dame and was making a rare public appearance to support AMFAR, the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, AIDS prevention, and the advocacy of sound AIDS related public policy.
    When asked if she feels that her work for AMFAR is still important to her, she responed, "Oh God yes, it's the most important thing in my life except for my children, I feel the only thing that I have constructive to live for."
    The event was tilted, "Honouring with Pride" and was held in the midst of Gay Pride Week. Since 1985, AMFAR has invested nearly $166 million in support for its programs, primarily though grants to more than 1800 research teams. Some of the researchers involved in treatments of AIDS were on hand to receive awards and praise for their work.
    Among those in attendance were the Chairman of the Board of AMFAR, Dr. Mathilde Krim, the former governor of New York State, Mario Cuomo, television star, Eric McCormack, Miss Universe, Laura Dutta and Andrea Marcovicci.
    In her address to a crowded room of AMFAR supporters Ms Taylor stated, "Tonight we come to Ellis Island not just to honor our ancestors, but to honor the leaders in the long and laborious battle against Aids, HIV and to honor a whole new community who responded to a crisis together."
    Elizabeth Taylor has recently battled back from a brain tumor and although she spoke with a bit of a slurred speech at times she still maintained a broad smile, was elegantly dressed and was covered in diamond jewelry.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2014. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register