As covered by all of today?s papers, Amelia Vega did not
come home to rest, but rather to do her job as Miss Universe. As she has stated,
Vega is focusing on AIDS prevention and awareness. To those ends she visited
several hospitals that treat AIDS patients. At Copresida, the presidential
organization, she explained that the Miss Universe organization does not offer
funds to any organization, but do lend her image to carry out fundraising
activities. She told reporters that she and former President Bill Clinton will
be hosting a dinner to collect funds for AIDS here in the Dominican Republic,
but could not give an exact date.
The world-class beauty then visited the Salvador B. Gautier Hospital, where she
visited with AIDS patients who seemed shocked to see her there. Crowds gathered
to ask for her autograph, as they followed her every step.
The third stop of the morning was made at the Altagracia Maternity Hospital,
where the calm that had characterized her earlier visits disappeared. Her
security detail was considered to be ?rough? on the people that tried to get
near her. Francisco S?nchez, the hospital?s director, said that his staff was
not allowed to crown Vega the ?Godmother of the Maternity Hospital.?
The last visit was to Robert Reid Children?s Hospital, where she spent a few
minutes speaking with children afflicted with AIDS.