Broadway Legend Chita Rivera to Host GMHC's Spring 2014 Gala, 3/26

Today, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation's oldest AIDS service organization, announces the sensational news that its annual dinner gala will be hosted by the award-winning actress, singer and dancer, Chita Rivera, and held at Cipriani 42nd Street, on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. A revered Broadway legend, Ms. Rivera is not a stranger to GMHC. In 2004, she starred in GMHC's benefit concert, "Showstoppers," featuring 20 Broadway stars performing their signature numbers at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.

"I am delighted to be the host for GMHC's Spring Dinner Gala," said Ms. Rivera. "The Broadway community has lost some of its brightest stars-singers, dancers and actors who died too young. I miss my friends and colleagues very much whom we have lost to AIDS. Despite treatments that have helped stem the tide of deaths, the fight against AIDS is not over and we all must continue to do what we can to support GMHC, an important organization that is leading the fight."

Established in 1982, GMHC is the world's first provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy. In addition to the wide array of programs that provide support to thousands of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, GMHC also links people to medical treatment and care, especially those who are newly diagnosed with HIV.

For over 30 years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the Broadway community has stepped up to be immensely supportive by helping to raise much-needed funds for GMHC and other AIDS service organizations. GMHC is tremendously grateful for this community's longstanding support and leadership.

The evening is one of GMHC's most elegant events, bringing together hundreds of New York's most influential AIDS activists, business-leaders, philanthropists and theatre performers. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting gmhc.org.

About Chita Rivera: An accomplished and versatile actress/singer/dancer, Chita Rivera has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received seven additional Tony nominations. She recently concluded a successful run starring in the new Roundabout Theatre Company's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood on Broadway. She starred in the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer's Life, a dazzling new musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terrence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele. This summer she will re-create her starring role in The Visit, the new Kander/Ebb/McNally musical at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, which she also performed at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA and originally at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago in 2001. She also starred in the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. She trained as a ballerina (from age 11) before receiving a scholarship to the American School of Ballet from legendary George Balanchine. Chita's first appearance (age 17) was as a principal dancer in Call Me Madam. Her electric performance as Anita in the Broadway premiere of West Side Story (1957) brought her stardom, which she repeated in London. Her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, The Rink (Tony Award), Chicago, Jerry's Girls, Kiss of the Spider Woman (Tony Award), and the original Broadway casts of Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven and Mr. Wonderful. On tour: Born Yesterday, The Rose Tattoo, Call Me Madam, Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate, Zorba, Can-Can with The Rockettes. Chita was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in August, 2009. She received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in Washington, DC in December, 2002 and is the first Hispanic woman ever chosen to receive this award. In May, 2013, she was appointed to a special Kennedy Center Honors Advisory Committee. Chita's current solo CD is entitled And Now I Swing. Her most treasured production is her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente. For more information, visit chitarivera.com.

About Gay Men's Health Crisis: GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to leading the fight against AIDS on a national platform. We provide prevention and care services to men, women and families that are living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City. We also advocate scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide. Our mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplifts the lives of all affected. For more information, visit gmhc.org.