amfAR Annual Events

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is
dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic
through innovative research. Since its founding
in 1985, amfAR has accelerated the pace of
HIV/AIDS research and contributed to numerous
breakthroughs that are extending and saving
lives around the world.
amfAR identifies critical gaps in our knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and supports
promising early-stage studies that often lack the preliminary data required
by more traditional funders.
Through its Research program, amfAR is advancing efforts to prevent HIV infection in
those who are vulnerable and to improve treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS, with
the ultimate goal of eradicating the virus.
amfAR’s TREAT Asia program is a network of clinics, hospitals, and research institutions
working with civil society to ensure the safe and effective delivery of HIV/AIDS treatments
throughout Asia and the Pacific. TREAT Asia has become a model for regional collaboration
on treatment preparedness, education, training, and clinical research.
The MSM Initiative strives to reduce worldwide rates of HIV infection among men who
have sex with men (MSM) in developing countries by providing small grants to grassroots
groups that help expand HIV education and prevention. The MSM Initiative also works to
build understanding and awareness of HIV epidemics among MSM, and advocates for
effective policies and increased funding.
Informed by thorough research and analysis, amfAR is a highly respected advocate of
rational and compassionate AIDS-related public policy. The Foundation’s Public Policy
program is engaged in efforts to increase investments in HIV/AIDS research; ensure a
robust response to the global epidemic; expand access to prevention, treatment, and care;
and protect the civil rights of all people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Photo: Kevin Tachman
Through its Public Information program, amfAR generates awareness of the need for
better treatment and prevention methods, and publishes educational materials on important
AIDS-related research, treatment, prevention, and policy issues. As a respected voice on
HIV/AIDS, amfAR frequently provides media commentary on research developments and
other aspects of the epidemic.
amfAR Annual
Events
All Photos: Getty/WireImage
Milan, New York, San Francisco, Toronto
amfAR Milano
San Francisco Gala
Building on amfAR’s longtime partnership with the world’s fashion community, in 2009 the
Foundation launched amfAR Milano, a star-studded gala held in conjunction with the famed
September Milan Fashion Week.
The San Francisco Gala is among the Bay Area’s preeminent charity events. It honors
philanthropists and community leaders who have made key contributions to the Bay Area
and to the fight against AIDS. The evening features cocktails, a silent auction, a gala dinner
prepared by a celebrity chef, and top-flight entertainment.
The inaugural amfAR Milano featured appearances by Janet Jackson, Dita Von Teese,
Dean and Dan Caten, and Linda Evangelista. With fashion icons Heidi Klum, Roberto
Bolle, Kenneth Cole, Milutin Gatsby, Eva Herzigova, Cristina Lucchini, Christian Kremer,
and Diane von Furstenberg serving as event chairs, the 2010 event brought together more
than 300 luminaries of the fashion world for a cocktail reception, black-tie gala dinner,
luxury live auction, entertainment, and after party. Guests enjoyed performances by Leona
Lewis, Cheyenne Jackson, and Simona Bencini, and music by the Misshapes as after party
DJs. Notable attendees included Alessandra Ambrosio, Dean and Dan Caten, Eva and Roberto
Cavalli, Chanel Iman, Angela Missoni, Margherita Maccapani Missoni, Francesca Versace, and
Erin Wasson.
Sponsors such as DSquared , Moët Hennessy, MINI, Vanity Fair Italia, and BMW have
maximized their presence during Milano Fashion Week by partnering with amfAR on
this event.
2
Photo: Kevin Tachman
Photo: Getty/WireImage
amfAR New York Gala
The amfAR New York Gala is one of the most coveted tickets of the New York social
season. This high-visibility annual event kicks off New York Fashion Week and honors
leading public figures who have made important contributions to the fight against AIDS.
Past honorees include Yves Carcelle/Louis Vuitton, President Bill Clinton, Clive Davis,
John Demsey/M∙A∙C AIDS Fund, Peter Dolan, Richard Gere, Whoopi Goldberg,
Tom Hanks, Sir Elton John and David Furnish, Quincy Jones, Donna Karan, Patti LaBelle,
Lorne Michaels, Liza Minnelli, Rosie O’Donnell, Natasha Richardson, Bill Roedy/MTV
Networks, Sumner Redstone/Viacom, Carine Roitfeld, Julian Schnabel, Bobby Shriver,
Sharon Stone, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg, Barbara Walters,
Robin Williams, and Anna Wintour.
The galas include cocktails, dinner, entertainment, a live auction of luxury items, and
special tributes to the honorees. Past speakers, presenters, and performers include
Woody Allen, Harry Belafonte, Tracy Chapman, Chelsea Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary
Rodham Clinton, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Billy Crystal, Barry Diller, Michael Douglas, Eve,
Whitney Houston, Marc Jacobs, Wyclef Jean, Gladys Knight, Beyoncé Knowles,
Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, Joan Osborne, Vanessa Redgrave, Lou Reed,
Natasha Richardson, Jon Stewart, Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman, Stanley Tucci,
Rufus Wainwright, Dionne Warwick, Anna Wintour, and Stevie Wonder.
Photo: Kevin Tachman
Photo: Getty/WireImage
Since 1998, the New York Gala has raised more than $11 million. Past sponsors
include Arista Records, BMG Entertainment, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bulgari, Delta Air Lines,
Valentino Garavani, Hublot, Mandarin Oriental, M∙A∙C Cosmetics, Viacom, and
Warner Music Group.
Begun in 1998 when hosts Francis and Eleanor Ford Coppola opened their famed Napa
estate for A Harvest: A Napa Valley Celebration to benefit amfAR, the San Francisco
Fall Gala has grown to feature designer menus prepared by top Bay area restaurateurs
including Jeanette Etheridge, Traci Des Jardins, Vince Calcagno, Craig Stoll, Jeremiah
Tower, and Michael Mina.
Kenneth Cole, Sharon Stone, and Shirley MacLaine have served as Honorary Chairs, and
the event is attended by nearly 400 of the Bay Area’s social elite.
Past honorees include House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Assemblyman Mark Leno,
restaurateurs Vince Calcagno and Traci Des Jardins, philanthropist Susie Tompkins Buell,
Tim Hanlon of Wells Fargo, Robert Haas of Levi Strauss, Stephen Brady, Steve Coulter,
John and Marcia Goldman, Peter Poulos, Walter Shorenstein, Michael Tilson Thomas,
Dita Von Teese, and Shirley MacLaine.
Among the sponsors who have generously supported this event are Arizona Beverages,
AT&T, The Gap, SKYY Vodka, Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo, and Williams-Sonoma.
Media sponsors have included 7X7, California Home and Design, and Pink.
Cinema Against AIDS Toronto
Now in its third year, Cinema Against AIDS Toronto is a black-tie gala held concurrently
with the Toronto International Film Festival and benefiting both amfAR and Dignitas
International. The event recognizes and celebrates the ongoing partnership between
amfAR and Dignitas, two organizations dedicated to beating the AIDS pandemic through
innovative research and determined activism.
To date, event chairs, guest presenters, and performers at Cinema Against AIDS Toronto
have included Ace of Base, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Deborah Cox, Emilio Estevez,
Linda Evangelista, Eve, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Terry Gilliam, Trudy Grant,
Ciara Hunt, Cheyenne Jackson, Ryan Kwanten, Sarah McLachlan, Bill Nighy, Elisa Nuyten,
James Purefoy, Heather Reisman, Miranda Richardson, Kelly Rowland, Julian Schnabel,
Martin Sheen, Verne Troyer, Stanley Tucci, Martha Wash, and Michelle Yeoh.
Cinema Against AIDS Toronto has so far raised more than $1.7 million.
Given its enormous success and visibility, Cinema Against AIDS Toronto has attracted
an impressive list of corporate supporters and sponsors including The Bay, BMO, CIBC,
Cisco Canada, Foss Cadillac, Fairmont Royal York, Grey Goose Vodka, Gucci, Hermès,
Hewlett-Packard Company, HSBC, The Imax Corporation, Joe Fresh Style, Kenneth Cole
Reaction, Magna International Inc, RIM, Rimmel London, Sullivan Entertainment,
Tiffany & Company, The Thompson Hotels, and TD Securities, among others.