A Time For Heroes: Celebs Support Elizabeth Glaser Foundation to Combat Pediatric AIDS

Celebs came out in full force this past Sunday to support the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, an organization that has led the charge to eradicate pediatric AIDS (the transmission of HIV from mother to child) in the United States. The foundation now has its sights set on eradicating pediatric AIDS all over the world, and Los Angeles stars answered the call to arms by volunteering at the Celebrity Picnic: A Time for Heroes presented by Disney. The event is expected to raise over $1.3 million for the cause.

Celebs like Nia Vardalos, Nigel Barker, Denise Richards, and Laila Ali arrived, children in tow, to lend a hand at the carnival game booths set up around the Wadsworth Great Lawn in Los Angeles. Families enjoyed stations set up for crafts, activities, and storytelling, as well as singing and dancing led by the Radio Disney crew. The event concluded with a special performance by Jesse McCartney.

Dr. Kuku Appiah, the Country Director of the foundation's South Africa programs, had this advice for people who want to help eradicate pediatric AIDS:

We have the science and the knowledge. What we need are resources and support to prevent HIV in the rest of the world. I think for an ordinary person from the US, the best way to support would be financially. Also, you can support the good work that your government is doing, funding HIV initiatives in Africa.

The Elizabeth Glaser Foundation prevents pediatric AIDS through research, direct service programs, and public policy advocacy. To learn more about how to get involved, you can visit their website, join them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.