(Palm Beach, FL)  Friends and supporters of the Comprehensive AIDS Program (CAP) of Palm Beach County, Inc., gathered at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach on October 30 for the third annual CAPPY Awards.  Honoring individuals and organizations in the community who have given their time, talent and resources to HIV/AIDS causes, CAPPY recognizes those fighting the epidemic in the local, state, national and global communities.

The signature event recognized CAP Person of the Year, Thomas Liberti, who currently serves as the Chief of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS in the Division of Disease Control within the Florida Department of Health. Guests mingled over cocktails and dinner by the bite while bidding on items at the silent auction.  The entertainment was provided by Voices of Pride early in the night and guests continued to dance the night away at Rock Lobby for the official after party. 

The event is CAP’s major fundraiser and benefits local program efforts.

In addition to Liberti, honorees for the annual CAPPY Awards included:  Larry Bush, M.D., Medical Achievement Award; Town of Palm Beach United Way, Fundraiser Extraordinaire Award; and Barnette Druskin, Volunteer Extraordinaire Award.

The CAPPY benefit committee included Barbara and Michael Crimi, CAPPY honorary chairmen; Tom Miller and Allan Reyes, benefit chairmen; and committee members Carolyn Alper, Lee Bierly, Donald Burns, Elizabeth and Dan Clark, Gregory Connors, Lydia Crozier, Chris Drake, Daniel Hall, John Herrick, James Leen, Patricia and Donald Mintmire, Victor Moore, Pamela Murray, Dr. Rik Pavlescak and Brad Mann, Tom Quick, Anjette and Fred Scheiman, James Sugarman, John Tatooles, James Tigani and Shari Winkelman.

CAP provides and promotes education, advocacy and compassion to individuals and families infected and affected by HIV and AIDS through case management, prevention and other support services.  CAP works throughout the Palm Beach County to provide housing assistance, food, transportation, mental health counseling and emergency assistance.  

Since its inception in 1985, CAP has provided educational services to more than 250,000 people in a variety of settings, including prisons, county schools, on the streets in high-risk neighborhoods, in health settings, substance abuse treatment centers, methadone clinics, and others.  The local organization has grown into one of the most successful community-based HIV/AIDS service organizations in the nation.