AmFAR Rep Rudely Turns Away Dozens of Press Members at Inspiration Gala

Ordinarily I love me all things non-profit.  These organizations are the backbone of vital work for the under-represented and forgotten by the fast paced world we live in.  They are generally comprised by a staff of people who believe in its mission statement and the overall goal for the betterment of its target.

I have for many many years donated my time to such orgs firmly believing that if you can’t show support monetarily, your ass can – at the least, support hands on by giving of your time.

Present day I now only volunteer with one or two orgs – limited by my time being spent trying to make a living looking thru a view finder.  But I still hold steadfast to attempting to show my support, whenever possible, by covering non-profit events and putting their fundraising efforts into the mix of the hoard of images generated daily reaching editors at the desks of publications worldwide.

With this intention in mind, I ran over to the AmFAR Inspiration Gala, held at the NY Public Library on Thursday. 

Sure the key names of the night were Ricky Martin and Kylie Minogue – but still my intention originated from a good place – showing support to an organization that has, for years, worked to lessen the impact of HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Then I came face to face with Natlie.  AmFAR’s clipboard holding event gate-keeper.  I stunned watching Natalie rudely and dismissively refused coverage to no less than a dozen photographers and video crews utilizing the proverbial “we have limited space” excuse.  It didn’t matter that she had the vast rooms of the famed historical structure to work with. 

It very quickly became clear she only wanted certain type of media covering the AmFAR venue.  Her “wait list” resulted in being left at the base of the steps facing 5th Avenue with little chance of obtaining any coverage whatsoever.

I find it hard to reconcile how an organization the likes of AmFAR could be represented by someone who treats people in such a disdainful fashion. 

True that AmFAR is far from needing any more celebrity endorsement than it already has nor require the likes of coverage from the masses – but it is still a non-profit who, by definition, should be more caring of people as opposed to stature and elitism.

Shame on AmFAR for allowing this wrinkled skirt cheap shoes wearing individual to be their frontwoman with such tasteless disregard and disdain for people looking to make a living and in turn show their support for this worthwhile cause.