April 12, 2002
The Elisabeth Glaser AIDS Foundation honored Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) Wednesday evening for his work as an advocate of children's health and pediatric AIDS issues. As only the third recipient of the Commitment to Children Award, Hatch joins the company of previous winners Rosie O'Donnell and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.). Hatch was instrumental in the creation of the Elisabeth Glaser Foundation, raising $1 million in its first "Night to Unite" fund-raiser. Since then, Hatch has helped craft the Ryan White CARE Act, the first legislation to help children with AIDS. He also cosponsored legislation that created the Children's Health Insurance Program, providing health insurance to low-income children. "I think Sen. Hatch, for as many years as he has been in government service, has first and foremost stood up for children," said Susie Zeegan, a friend of Paul and Elisabeth Glaser. "It rises above any political agenda and I think that's what makes him so worthy of getting this award."