ONE HEARTLAND To Honor Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
Managing Director Joel Goldman At Annual Gala
Nonprofit’s Largest Annual Fundraiser to Feature American Idol Alum Kimberley Locke and Actor Daniel Franzese
Minneapolis (Nov. 13, 2015) – One Heartland, a locally-based national nonprofit whose mission is to serve children, youth and families facing significant health challenges or social isolation, will host its annual Holiday in the Heartland benefit on Thursday, Dec. 10 at Loews Hotel Minneapolis (601 First Ave. No).
At this year’s event we are proud to honor Joel Goldman, the first Managing Director of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, with the Founder’s Award. Mr. Goldman is a former board member, dedicated volunteer, and consistent advocate for One Heartland. In 1991, Mr. Goldman was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and told he only had two or three years to live. Since then, Mr. Goldman has dedicated his life to educating young people about HIV. His 12-year speaking tour, “Friendship in the Age of AIDS,” reached more than a million students. He has received the “Ryan’s Angel Award” from the Ryan White Foundation, created pioneering fundraising and outreach programs for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, worked with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and accomplished countless other good works in his quest to make the world a better place.
“Joel has been a pioneer in the fight against the stigma of HIV/AIDS, and has been a longtime mentor to our organization and the wonderful youth we serve,” said One Heartland Executive Director Patrick Kindler. “Joel’s passion and commitment truly tie into our mission and we are honored to recognize him at our annual gala.”
The evening’s emcee, Daniel Franzese, is a film, TV, and theater actor. Franzese’s films include “Mean Girls,” “War of the Worlds,” “Bristol Boys,” and many more. Franzese played Eddie, an HIV-positive character who works with gay and transgender youth, in HBO’s hit show “Looking.” Franzese is also on the upcoming ABC Family show “Recovery Road.” Franzese works with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation as an ambassador, and has worked with GLAAD to help raise HIV awareness and prevention through media and television.
One Heartland is excited to welcome back Season Two “American Idol” finalist and longtime One Heartland supporter Kimberley Locke to provide the evening’s festive musical entertainment.
In addition to the live music and presentations, Holiday in the Heartland guests will enjoy silent and live auctions, as well as a gourmet dinner. Tickets are available at oneheartland.org or by calling 612-824-6464.
About One Heartland
One Heartland works with children, youth and families facing significant health challenges or social isolation through camp programs. At the core of this mission is an environment of education and acceptance. One Heartland provides hundreds of camp experiences every year to children as well as year-round support. Because the majority of program participants live below the poverty line, we rely on donors to make our camps a reality. For more information, visit oneheartland.org.
