For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Justin Burke - 213.201.1525
EMAIL:jburke@apla.org
DAVID COOLEY TO BE HONORED BY AIDS PROJECT LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles, CA, October 4, 2005 -- David Cooley, founder and proprietor of The Abbey Food & Bar in West Hollywood, will be honored by the Ambassador Council of AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) at its second annual tribute reception known as “A Thanksgiving Moment.”
The event, to be held at Bar on 4, Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills on Thursday evening, November 3, will usher in the Thanksgiving season with an award to Mr. Cooley for his “longstanding creative support, financial generosity and commitment to the mission of AIDS Project Los Angeles.”
“David has been a friend to APLA and a major force in the community
for gay and lesbian causes,” said Craig E. Thompson, executive director
of APLA. “He has helped APLA build one of L.A.’s most successful
AIDS fundraisers – an Oscar night viewing party – and can always
be counted on to support the work of organizations like us. David is a true
leader in the business community.”
In addition to the Abbey being named AOL CityGuide 2005 “Best Bar of
Los Angeles” and “Best Gay Bar and Zagat Guide proclaiming it “What’s
Hot,” all of David’s charity work makes him stand out among his
peers.
The list is impressive: from “Breakfast For The Stars” At AIDS Walk Los Angeles, Esquire Magazine's "The Envelope Please" APLA Oscar Party; as sponsor of a Ferris Wheel at APLA’s Summer Party™ at Paramount; the “Get Me to The Abbey on Time” Gay Pride 2004 Mass Gay Wedding; his annual Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing Fundraiser which this year drew over 700 people raising nearly $200,000; to Aid For AIDS Christmas dinners and a benefit for South African families and people with AIDS.
David is also involved with the Annual “Toys For Tots” Christmas Drive; the sponsorship of The Grand Marshall Float for Christopher Street West Gay Pride; the Election Protection Hollywood Industry Benefit; fundraisers for Actors For Autism And Equality California; and most recently helping raise money for the Hurricane Katrina Red Cross Relief Fund and a toy drive for Children’s Hospital, when he brought Christmas in September to The Abbey.
The Ambassador Council is a group of committed supporters of APLA elected by the Board of Directors to amplify awareness of issues impacting the well-being of the agency and the public it serves. Timothy Aldrete and Jeff Jenest are Co-Chairs of the Council.
Past honorees at “A Thanksgiving Moment” include Brenda R. Freiberg, an AIDS advocate, and Jeffrey S. Haber, a partner at Latham & Watkins, who were formerly chairs of the APLA board.
Tickets for the cocktail party and reception are available online at www.apla.org or by calling 213.201.1562.
AIDS Project Los Angeles, one of the largest non-profit AIDS service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct services, prevention education and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation. Founded by four friends in 1982, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national and global reach. For more information, visit www.apla.org.
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