AID FOR AIDS and AID FOR LIFE celebrated three decades of humanitarian impact at their 2026 My Hero Gala, held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Bringing together leaders from entertainment, diplomacy, philanthropy, human rights and global health, the milestone event honored four distinguished Venezuelans whose lives and careers reflect the power of leadership, service and solidarity across borders.

Honorees Maria Eugenia Maury, Edgar Ramirez, Mary Ann Torres with Founder and President of AID FOR AIDS and AID FOR LIFE Jesus Aguais.

Themed “Dignity Across Borders,” the Gala recognized internationally acclaimed actor, producer and activist Edgar Ramírez; Ambassador Nathalie Rayes, former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia and the first Venezuelan-American to serve as a U.S. ambassador; philanthropist and former AID FOR AIDS Board Chair Maria Eugenia Maury; and Venezuelan human-rights lawyer and global HIV/AIDS advocate Mary Ann Torres, former Executive Director of the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO).

With over 200 guests in attendance, the evening celebrated the organizations’ enduring legacy while underscoring the urgent need for sustained investment in lifesaving HIV treatment, migrant integration and long-term recovery efforts in Venezuela following this summer’s earthquakes.

“For thirty years, our mission has been guided by one belief: dignity has no borders,” said Jesus Aguais, president of AID FOR AIDS and AID FOR LIFE. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, supporters and honorees whose generosity makes this work possible and helps us bring lifesaving care, hope and opportunity to people and families who need it most. Together, we are turning solidarity into lasting impact.”

Masters of Ceremonies for the evening comedian Angelo Colina and communications entrepreneur Daniela Kosa

Three Decades of Impact, One Evolving Mission

Founded in 1996, AID FOR AIDS emerged in response to the global HIV treatment crisis, creating the world’s largest HIV medicine redistribution program of its kind. By redirecting unused, unexpired medications to people living with HIV who lacked access to treatment, the organization established a model of humanitarian action that has delivered lasting impact.

Over three decades, AID FOR AIDS has redistributed more than $220 million in lifesaving HIV medications, helped more than 65,000 people across 75 countries remain on treatment, reached more than two million young people through HIV prevention initiatives, and supported thousands of children living with HIV. In 2018, its coordinated access mechanism helped establish the organization as the leading provider of antiretroviral medicines in Venezuela, securing a full year of treatment for 35,000 people.

Founded in 2016, AID FOR LIFE expanded this commitment to address the interconnected health, social and economic needs of migrants, displaced people and vulnerable families. Through 34 service sites across the world, including Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico,  Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. The organization connects individuals and families with healthcare, humanitarian assistance and pathways toward stability.

In New York City, AID FOR LIFE has helped more than 40,000 newly arrived immigrants since 2022 through comprehensive integration programs offering case management, legal and mental-health support, English-language instruction, workforce development, financial education, civic engagement, healthcare, and sports and cultural initiatives.

Alicia Menendez, Ambassador Nathalie Rayes, with Founder and President of AID FOR AIDS and AID FOR LIFE Jesus Aguais.

Supporting Venezuela’s Recovery and Building Resilient Communities

The Gala carried particular significance as Venezuela continues to face the consequences of two earthquakes that struck the country this summer. As the response shifts from emergency relief toward long-term recovery, AID FOR LIFE is focused on helping children and families rebuild through trusted healthcare, mental-health services, safe community spaces, essential supplies and programs incorporating sports and the arts. New initiatives in these areas are being planned with legacy and new partners, as well as individual donors, to sustain support in helping affected communities recover.

The 30th-anniversary My Hero Gala reaffirmed a simple but enduring principle: human dignity must transcend borders, crises and circumstances. Through three decades of service, AID FOR AIDS and AID FOR LIFE have demonstrated how sustained humanitarian commitment can connect communities, protect health and create opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.

For more information about AID FOR AIDS and AID FOR LIFE and to donate, visit www.aidforaids.org.