Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis to Host Second Annual GHESKIO Fundraiser in Cannes

Actor and Haitian Ambassador at Large Jimmy Jean-Louis is set to host the second annual GHESKIO Fundraiser in Cannes. GHESKIO, the world renowned health, social services and HIV/TB research center in Haiti will team up with sponsor Alta Global Media for the special event. The fundraiser will be held on Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 at the Carlton Beach Club in Cannes during the 75th Festival de Cannes. The event will honor filmmakers and feature a special performance by actor and singer Gary Dourdan who is currently touring in Europe.

The Honorary Chair Committee includes actor Matt Bomer (The Boys in the Band), broadcast journalist and political commentator Anderson Cooper, acclaimed French opera singer Nathalie Dessay, Grammy-award winning Renée Fleming, and the Port-au-Prince band RAM Haiti.

Since 1982, GHESKIO has provided health care and social support services for hundreds of thousands of Haitians, all at no cost. GHESKIO's groundbreaking research has influenced treatment guidelines from the World Health Organization.

The fundraiser will also include a silent auction featuring a Great African Safari presented by the Kenyan government and KICC Kenya, and a special gift bags from the DPA Cannes gift suite with esteemed brands including Takanome Sake, Kogao Magician, Lothantique, Naked Sundays, and Fazup. Arabian Camels will also auction one of their unrevealed Antara Movie NFTs in support of the Gheskio Foundation. The holders of the NFT will have the opportunity to play a part, receive producer credits, or visit the set of the swords and sandals epic Antara.

Ticket packages for the GHESKIO Cannes fundraiser are currently available and can be purchased by visiting: https://gheskio.org/cannes2022

Jimmy Jean-Louis commented: "As we celebrate the 75th edition of Cannes, I believe it's also important to keep our focus on organizations that are dedicated to solving issues that can impact each one of us. I am very happy to continue to highlight the amazing work that Gheskio has been doing for the past 30 years".

Scott Morgan, Executive Director, Haitian Global Health Alliance in support of GHESKIO stated: "GHESKIO is incredibly grateful for Mr. Jean-Louis' leadership and generosity for raising awareness and funding for our organization. GHESKIO continues to serve patients at no cost despite the challenges facing Haiti. Last year, over 100,000 patients were treated for diseases, provided medication, provided vocational training and microfinance to rise out of poverty and much more. Our research continues to influence guidelines around the globe. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be at Cannes once again."

GHESKIO and Alta Global Media are multi-year partners on the annual fundraiser.

Last year GHESKIO named Jean-Louis as its Ambassador. Jean-Louis has made his mission with GHESKIO to raise the visibility of medical, social and economic needs in Haiti and bring awareness to how GHESKIO is working to address them.

Jimmy Jean-Louis is on the fast-track. He just wrapped a lead opposite Prithviraj Sukumaran in the feature film Goat Days directed by top Indian director Blessy. The film, based on a best-selling novel of the same name by Benyamin, was shot on location in Algeria. Jordan, and India. He also has a lead role in the upcoming Assassins Club, opposite Henry Golding, Daniela Melchior, Sam Neill and 2022 Cannes Film Festival Jury member Noomi Rapace.

Jean-Louis began his career as a dancer and a model in Europe and South Africa. Now based in Los Angeles, he is a producer and award-winning actor with a long list of credits, including the highly acclaimed Rattlesnakes, the NBC hit Heroes, and Joy featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. Mr. Jean-Louis and his films have won awards across the world, including the Best Lead Actor Award at the Africa movie Academy Awards 2020 for the movie Desrances. His most personal role was playing the title character in Toussaint Louverture, for which he was honored as Best Actor at the Pan African Film Festival. Born in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, Mr. Jean-Louis was named Ambassador-at-Large to Haiti by Haiti's president in 2014.

About GHESKIO

GHESKIO's mission is to offer health services to patients, provide training for medical and non-medical personnel, and conduct research with a focus on HIV/AIDS and associated diseases such as TB and diarrheal diseases. Since 2003, in collaboration with the Haitian Ministry of Health, this model has been extended to sites across Haiti with support from the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

For 40 years, GHESKIO has provided integrated primary care services focused on the family, including HIV counseling, HIV/AIDS treatment and care, maternal and pediatric care, prevention of HIV and syphilis mother to child transmission, adolescent and youth programs, vulnerable populations, management of TB and STIs and global health programs. Through its research efforts, GHESKIO defines HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention models for Haiti and other resource-poor settings.

Most recently, GHESKIO is conducting research and providing treatment for cardiovascular disease as it is now the number one cause of mortality in Haiti.

GHESKIO is a member of the prestigious AIDS Clinical Trials Group, and GHESKIO researchers have published over 250 peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Jean "Bill" Pape who leads GHESKIO is one of nine members of the newly formed Science Council of the World Health Organization of which he will advise the organization about priorities and emerging global health issues.

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