David Gale, vice president of MTV New Media, has been nominated for national recognition in the first annual Jewish Community Hero Awards for his devotion to improving the lives of youths living with HIV/AIDS.
After identifying a population in Southern California of youths who were stricken with HIV/AIDS, or who had lost parents or siblings to the same disease, Gale founded Camp Hollywood Heart, a week-long arts program in Malibu led by Hollywood talent that teaches some basic skills for pursuing a career in the arts. Gale also brought Camp Pacific Heartland to Southern California, a traditional summer camp experience for younger HIV/AIDS-infected children who often come from abusive or poverty-line homes.
Instead of thinking about death, the camps encourage the children and teenagers to start planning for their futures.
More information can be obtained online at jewishcommunityheroes.org.