Joe McMillan, a former West Grove resident and a graduate of Avon Grove High School, has been honored with a prestigious award by the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

McMillan is now the CEO and chairman of DDG, a highly successful national real estate development firm based in New York City. After leaving West Grove, McMillan served in the U.S. Army, had an impressive career on Wall Street, and then built his own company, DDG into a leader in the industry.

He has been involved with the Elton John AIDS Foundation for about a dozen years. He co-chaired the gala in New York and the organization's annual Academy Awards Viewing Party multiple times.

Along with Ford Foundation’s Darren Walker and philanthropist Patricia Hearst, McMillan was honored with the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Enduring Vision Award. He was recognized for donating his time, talent, and resources as part of his abiding commitment to the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s cause.

Attendees of the event included New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft and Leonard Lauder, the chairman of Estee Lauder. The gala raised $3.9 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, supporting services, and advocacy programs across the globe.