For Immediate Release – Pittsburgh, Jan. 6, 2016 – Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force announced that it will present the University of Pittsburgh’s Dr. Anthony Silvestre with the Kerry Stoner Award at its 30th Annual Benefit at WQED’s Studios on Fifth on Thursday, April 14, 2016.
The Kerry Stoner Award is presented annually to honor a person who has, through a longtime dedication to Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force’s mission, shown commitment to Kerry Stoner’s legacy and vision. Stoner, a tireless HIV/AIDS activist who died of complications from AIDS in 1993, was a founder and the first executive director of PATF.
Dr. Anthony Silvestre has been a staple in the HIV community, with involvement in LGBT health and HIV prevention service and research since 1984. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh, and teaches courses in human diversity and public health. Silvestre has been an integral member of the Pitt Men’s Study since the late 80’s, and was involved in the creation of the study’s first community advisory board that would then lead to the creation of Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force in 1985. To date, Silvestre has recruited an impressive 4,000 individuals from the gay and bisexual communities in Pittsburgh to engage in investigative research at the local Pitt Men’s Study site. He is also actively engaged in the HIV Prevention and Care Project, along with the Center for LGBT Wellness. Through prevention planning and implementation, he has dedicated much of his professional career to being a facilitator of change within socially marginalized communities, particularly those of racial/ethnic and sexual minorities. His involvement in the LGBT community extends nationally, advocating for services devoted to HIV, mental health, and youth.
This year’s event at WQED’s Studios on Fifth begins at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception featuring special guests and enhanced service and food provided by Common Plea Catering. General admission begins at 7:30 p.m. and features hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, music, and the Kerry Stoner award presentation. Both VIP and general admission tickets will be available for purchase at www.patf.org or by calling 412-345-0593.
Proceeds benefit Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, the region’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization. PATF is dedicated to supporting and empowering all individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and to being relentless in preventing the spread of infection. PATF is a leader in providing comprehensive support services that improve the health and quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Greene, Fayette, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. For more information visit www.patf.org or call Patrick Buehler at 412-345-0593.
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Media Contact:
Jason Herring, Director of Programs and Communications
5913 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-345-0596
jherring@patf.org