Glaser AIDS Foundation Honors Hatch With ‘Commitment to Children Award’

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation last night recognized Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) for his long-time advocacy of children's health issues, honoring him with the "Commitment to Children Award" at the foundation's third "A Night to Unite" fundraiser, the Associated Press reports. Hatch was "instrumental" in the foundation's creation in the late 1980s, offering to co-host a fundraiser that generated $1 million for the "fledgling" organization. After befriending teenage AIDS patient Ryan White, Hatch also helped craft the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides federal funds to assist people with AIDS, including children. In addition, the senator co-sponsored legislation creating the CHIP program, which provides health insurance coverage to low-income children, and has worked with the U.S. Dream Academy to provide education and social "enrich[ment]" to children with incarcerated parents. "I think Sen. Hatch, for as many years as he has been in government service, has first and foremost stood up for children. It rises above any political agenda and ... that's what makes him so worthy of getting this award," foundation co-founder Susie Zeegan said. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell are previous award winners (Gehrke, Associated Press, 4/10).