"Almost twenty years ago, I had a dream to create a monument to those who had died from AIDS. The monument was to serve as a catalyst for social change that would lead to the discussion of cultural denial, stigma and shame among those impacted by HIV/AIDS. The movement that followed was a direct response to the deaths of countless men silenced by the stigma created within their communities."  -- Richard L. Zaldivar, Founder & Executive Director

In celebration of twenty years of service to the community, The Wall-Las Memorias will be hosting its 20th Anniversary Gala on Friday, September 19th, 2014 at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown Los Angeles. The event will feature an evening of exquisite food, live musical entertainment from legendary and local musicians, art installations, silent auction, special guests, and a presentation of the history and future of the organization. Cocktail/business attire recommended. 

The evening will include: 

• Cocktail Hour Reception Featuring Appetizers & Specialty Drinks by Ty London Events LCC (Cash Bar) 
• Silent Auction & Artwork Installations 
• Introduction & Welcome by Celebrity Co-Hosts: Actress/Singer Apollonia Kotero & Voice-Over Actor/Gay Rights Activist Ben Patrick Johnson
• Dinner Catered by Local L.A. Brazilian Restaurant Bossa Nova 
• Live Musical Performance by The Fulcos
• Commencement of Program 
• Special announcement from Executive Director, Richard L. Zaldivar 
• Dessert bar 
• Live Musical Entertainment & Performance by Legendary Salsa King Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad 

Silent Auction Items Include: 

Artisan Bowl by Elena Snyder Palacio | Cancun Vacation (5-day, 4 night 2 Adult Stay) | Makeover & Photoshoot (Celebrity Makeup Artist Andrew Velazquez) | Petal Spin Membership (1 Month Unlimited) | Gronk Art Piece | Hector Silva Art Piece | 4-Books by Toni D. Newman (w/4 Equality Bracelets) | American Apparel Gift Card ($500) | Wine Tasting/Tour (Wilson Creek Winery, Temecula) | Delta Airlines (Travel Packages) | Blow Out (Styling Lounge) | Yolanda Gonzalez Art Piece | Kathy Gallegos Art Piece | Brooks Brothers’ Blazer | Total Wine & More (Tour/Tasting) | Caribbean Paradise Packages (5-7 Nights, 2-3 Rooms) | Bed & Breakfast (Mi Besito, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico) | Hugo Croswaithe Art Piece | A Bed of Roses Gift Card (Flower Arrangement Class) | Bossa Nova Dinner Package | Grammy Museum (4 Tickets)

For the full list of Silent Auction Items, click here. 

Funds raised through the 20^th Anniversary Gala will help fund The Wall-Las Memorias Project and future efforts to provide health and wellness programs and services to the local Latino community of Los Angeles.