Shelbie Bruce, star of “Spanglish,” named Honorary Chair of newly expanded
Junior Committee of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation

Bruce and others join team of young adults helping children impacted by AIDS and HIV

Los Angeles, May XX, 2005 – The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation announced the expansion of its national Junior Committee naming actress Shelbie Bruce as Honorary Chair. Launched in October 2005, the Junior Committee provides the opportunity for young adults to take a leadership role within the Foundation.

Ally Romano, daughter of actor/comedian Ray Romano from “Everybody Loves Raymond”, has committed to serving on the Junior Committee as well as other members Kelsey Cannata, granddaughter of actress Doris Roberts from “Everybody Loves Raymond”; Nicole Gillette, Gabe Kaminsky, Abby Pucker, Megan Rodts and Dana Wiley. Shelbie Bruce, star of the movie “Spanglish,” will serve as Honorary Chair.

“With the 25th anniversary of the first diagnosed case of AIDS upon us, the parents and grandparents of the committee members witnessed and fought against the devastation during the early years of AIDS,” said Joe Cristina, founder and board chair, “Their continued support of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation has inspired a new generation of volunteers who are committed to our goal of helping children infected with HIV and affected by AIDS.”

Members of the Junior Committee, ranging in age from 12 to 18, will outline opportunities for teen involvement including, volunteering and community service; identify projects for groups of teens and schools; serve as spokespeople and advise the Foundation on the development of materials for teen volunteers.

“I am proud to be a part of this extraordinary group of young adults who are committed to helping children impacted by this terrible disease,” said Bruce, “I hope that the work of the Junior Committee will bring smiles to the faces of the children the Foundation serves.”

The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation was founded in Los Angeles in 1993 by Joe Cristina, a Mattel, Inc. executive whose desire to help children was inspired by the outpouring of support he received when he disclosed his own HIV positive status. The Foundation is the sole organization in the United States that addresses the daily needs of children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS domestically and internationally. While other pediatric AIDS organizations search for the cure, the Foundation is dedicated to caring for children who are infected or affected by this epidemic now. To learn more about the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, please visit us at www.caaf4kids.org.

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