Richard Gere to attend Liberty Medal Ceremony honoring Dalai Lama
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Actor and philanthropist Richard Gere will participate in the 2015 Liberty Medal Ceremony honoring the Dalai Lama at the National Constitution Center.
Gere, who was born in Philadelphia, recently spoke with 6abc about the Dalai Lama.
"He has become an extraordinary beacon of light and possibility to people all over the world in very short amount of time. I think he has a lot in common with the pope, this pope especially. Again, we are in this together," Gere said.
Gere was in town to promote his movie Time Out of Mind. In the movie he portrays a homeless man.
"People have this idea that they are all mentally ill, they're dangerous, they're difficult, they're not us, they are not our family," Gere said.
Inspired by the film's message of empathy and compassion, Gere and director Oren Moverman raised money for those who suffer on our streets in Philadelphia.
While in Philadelphia, they held an event where the proceeds benefited Project HOME and the Francis Fund, a special fund created in honor of Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia.
It was announced last month, due to medical reasons, the Dalai Lama canceled his US tour including his visit to Philadelphia.
Dr. Thupten Jinpa, the principal English translator to the Dalia Lama, and Dr. Richie Davidson, founder and chair of the Mind and Life Institute, will accept the Liberty Medal on behalf of His Holiness. Kaydor Aukatsang, the Representative of the Dalai Lama to North America, will also be in attendance.
A limited number of free, general admission tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friday October 9, 2015 at 10 a.m. at constitutioncenter.org/libertymedaltickets. Assistance is also available at the Center's helpline, 1-800-439-9835.
The 27th annual Liberty Medal Ceremony will take place rain or shine at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2015, at the National Constitution Center on Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. The event will also be broadcast on 6abc.
