Runway Star & Daytime Emmy Star Collaborate For Charity
Project Runway’s Jack Mackenroth and Bold and the Beautiful star, Emmy-winner Heather Tom, are collaborating on a project for the 35th Annual Daytime Emmys on June 20, 2008. Tom wants to celebrate her 12th nomination and met with Mackenroth to have him design a one of a kind gown for the Emmys. The pair also decided to help their friends with HIV, and auction the dress off to benefit three HIV/AIDS charities – amfAR, National Association of People with AIDS, and San Antonio AIDS Foundation. The auction istimed to bring attention to National HIV Testing Day on June 27th – one week after the Daytime Emmys.
“This disease is not over yet, “ Tom says. “Too many people avoid getting tested and taking care of themselves due to fear.”
Mackenroth adds, “Testing is a big step, but a simple one that could save your life.”
Tom has been involved with HIV/AIDS charities since the beginning of her career. Currently she is a Surrogate on the road for Senator Clinton’s presidential bid. Mackenroth has been HIV positive for 17 years and appeared on Project Runway’s Season Four.
“We both wanted to make this more than just an evening gown – we wanted to make a statement”, explains Tom. “The proceeds go to three charities – amfAR, for doing all of the life saving research, the National Association of People with AIDS, for making testing a priority in people’s lives, and the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, for their one of a kind client services for people living with HIV/AIDS in this country.”
People will be able to go on Clothes of our Back immediately after the Emmys to bid on Mackenroth’s design. Individuals are encouraged to go to HeatherTom.net, JackMackenroth.com for live links to the auction and to ClothesoffourBack.org to bid on the gown.
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested $260 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.
The San Antonio AIDS Foundation (SAAF) has served the San Antonio and South Texas community with direct services to people infected with HIV and with prevention services to at-risk populations since 1986 SAAF has a unique 36 bed residential skilled nursing/hospice facility, as well case management, rental assistance, dental care, a 3 meals daily congregate dining program, and prevention services. All services are free to clients. SAAF also encourages testing and HIV prevention in all its work.
Founded in 1983, National Association of People with AIDS, is the oldest national AIDS organization in the United States. NAPWA provides essential HIV and health treatment information, improves access to HIV care and treatment, and advocates for the needs of both those with HIV and those at-risk for HIV. Our signature programs include National HIV Testing Day, which engages over 10,000 organizations, and AIDSWatch, the nation’s largest grassroots driven HIV advocacy group.
The Clothes Off Our Back Foundation is a 501c3 organization that hosts charity auctions showcasing today's hottest celebrity attire. Items are put up for bid to the public with proceeds going to benefit children's charities. Clothes Off Our Back was founded by actors and philanthropists Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm In The Middle") and Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”) whose efforts, along with their celebrity and designer friends have helped improve the lives of children across the globe.
