she got in touch with michael gontley and he took her to see rock.od-bye. >> what we all have to do is go out tonight, tomorrow, grab our neighbors, our friends, our acquaintances, grab them by the throats if necessary. make them understand, break the barrier. >> reporter: rock hudson put a face to the disease for the world. and that was invaluable in helping us move along, the idea, that everybody needs to be concerned about this. >> tonight in los angeles some of the biggest names in show business will host a widely publicized benefit for aids. >> ladies and gentlemen, mrs. elizabeth. >> the emotions were raw. everyone was effected by it. >> all we can do at there point is help our friends who have aids -- [ cheers and applause ] . >> and the only way we can do that is by doing what you are doing. by giving, giving of support, money, and love. >> that evening it was amazing. it was all of these big famous people coming together to say, we see you. that had not happened yet. that was the first time that happened. >> when we first put this on we were