Singer Dionne Warwick Receives Award From U.S. Government Recognizing Work in Fight Against AIDS

Singer Dionne Warwick on Tuesday in Singapore received an award from the U.S. government in recognition of her work to raise funds for HIV/AIDS research, the AAP/NEWS.com.au reports. U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Frank Lavin presented Warwick with the American Citizen Honor Award to recognize her 20-year involvement in humanitarian efforts against the epidemic. Warwick -- a five-time Grammy winner who is in Singapore for a concert scheduled for Thursday -- said that education is the most important tool in the fight against the disease, according to the AAP/NEWS.com.au. "We have to make people aware, not just through writing but also verbally and through demonstrations," Warwick said. She added that she felt overwhelmed with the recognition. "I am doing what I feel comes naturally," she said, adding, "When you receive an accolade you feel that your work is being accepted ... but this is overwhelming." In 1985, Warwick worked with producer Burt Bacharach and singers Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Elton John to record "That's What Friends Are For." The profits of the song were donated to the American Foundation for AIDS Research. In 1990, Warwick and other artists raised more than $2.5 million dollars for AIDS organizations at a benefit at New York City's Radio City Music Hall (AAP/NEWS.com.au, 1/27).