World AIDS Day Luncheon at Nines Honored Heroes of HIV

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

Byron Beck, GoLocalPDX Features Editor

Carol, Laela Wilding and Tyler TerMeer

Karol Collymore, Elizabeth Taylor's granddaughter Laela Wilding and CAP Executive Director Tyler TerMeer at Nines Hotel. Photo by Byron Beck.

Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day gathered together people and organizations that have played vital roles in turning the tables on HIV both locally and nationally.

This year's honorees included Dr. Louis Picker from Oregon Health & Science University, Nike, and Kevin Cook aka "Poison Waters."

Accepting the Corporate Hero award on behalf Nike was Jorge Casimiro, ‎Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Global Community Impact/Nike Foundation at NIKE Inc.

OHSU's Dr. Louis Picker, a vaccine expert who is working on a promising vaccine for an effective treatment to HIV, shared his research with those gathered and talked of how we might soon see an end to the epidemic as he received his Research Hero award.

Kevin Cook, aka the illustrious drag performer "Poison Waters," left his gowns at home as well as his mascara. It was a good thing too. His alloted two-minute time for his acceptance of his Individual Hero Award turned into twelve minutes of laughter, memories and thanks. And, yes, quite a few tears. Cook received a standing ovation after his compelling and heartfelt words.

Under the direction of Executive Director Tyler TerMeer CAP continues to offer hope, inspiration and most of all support for those who are affected by HIV.

At the Nines Hotel, during that particular luncheon, it felt like everyone in the room was a "hero" that day.

Banner photo: Lulu Lucious and Doug Friend. Photo by Byron Beck.

Related Slideshow: CAP’s World AIDS Day Luncheon at Nines

Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day gathered together people and organizations that have played vital roles in turning the tables on HIV.

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Kevin and Jeff

Individual Hero Award receipient Kevin Cook and Jeff Jansen at Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day.

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Karol, Laela and Tyler

Equity Executive Director Karol Collymore, Elizabeth Taylor's granddaughter Laela Wilding and CAP's Executive Director Tyler TerMeer at Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day.

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Lulu and Doug

Miss HIV Awareness Lulu Lucious and Doug Friend at Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day.

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Dr. Picker and Belinda

Dr. Louis Picker and South African journalist Belinda Beresford at Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day.

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Robert and Jorge

Nike's Robert Goman and Jorge Casimiro at Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day.

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Jeanna and Kurt

Basic Rights Oregon's Executive Director Jeana Frazzini and Kurt Beadall Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day.

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John and Robin

John Halseth and Robin Castro at Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day.

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Stephen and Bob

PHAME Executive Director Stephen Marc Beaudoin and Bob Speltz Cascade AIDS Project's first annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon at the Nines Hotel on World AIDS Day.