amfAR Media Contacts:
Bennah Serfaty, Senior Director of Communications: (212) 806-1607; bennah.serfaty@amfar.org
Natalie Marquis, Media Relations Associate: (212) 806-1694; natalie.marquis@amfar.org
GOLDIE HAWN, AILEEN GETTY, HUGO BOSS honored at amfAR’s 4th Inspiration Gala Los Angeles
$3.5 Million Raised for AIDS Research
Performance by Grace Jones
EVENT PRESENTED BY M·A·C VIVA GLAM
Los Angeles, CA, December 13, 2013—Sharon Stone, Chelsea Handler, Lily Tomlin, Kurt Russell, Cheyenne Jackson, Teddy Sears, Kelly Osbourne, Zoe Saldana, Vanessa Hudgens, Jennifer Coolidge, Alessandra Ambrosio, Laura Prepon, Lydia Hearst, Kevin Connolly, Alison Sweeney, Dolvett Quince, Gilles Marini, amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, and Event Chair Rich Ross were among those who came out last night to pay tribute to Aileen Getty, Goldie Hawn, and HUGO BOSS for their contributions to the fight against AIDS at the 4th annual Inspiration Gala Los Angeles. The event, presented by M·A·C Viva Glam, raised $3.5 million for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.
Renowned comedian and best-selling author Chelsea Handler hosted the event at Milk Studios for the second consecutive year. The night was filled with heartfelt tributes to the Award of Inspiration honorees, and culminated in an unprecedented display of generosity by Aileen Getty, who gave an impromptu $1 million donation towards amfAR’s research efforts to find a cure for AIDS. amfAR Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone announced the donation on stage, and called for people in the crowd to stand with Aileen Getty in bringing the epidemic to a close by making pledges toward a fund in Ms. Getty’s name. An overwhelming number of guests made pledges, generating more than an additional $1 million for amfAR.
Earlier in the night, Ms. Stone presented Ms. Getty with her award, praising the remarkable grace she displayed in choosing to become a passionate leader in the fight against AIDS under the most difficult of circumstances. Ms. Getty remarked that she accepted the award in honor of the late Elizabeth Taylor, her mother-in-law, who “used the power of love and acceptance to inspire and demand action.”
Academy Award-winning actress Goldie Hawn, a dedicated supporter of amfAR, was presented with her award by her longtime friend Lily Tomlin. Ms. Hawn recalled that the importance of compassion was instilled in her from an early age, and she urged everyone to be inspired to give back as the crowd saluted her with a rousing standing ovation.
Acclaimed actor Teddy Sears presented the Award of Inspiration to Mark Brashear and Ward Simmons, who accepted on behalf of HUGO BOSS. The company has been fiercely committed to philanthropy, and its generous support of amfAR through the Inspiration Gala series has helped to improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS across the globe.
The legendary Grace Jones capped off the night with a set that had the entire crowd dancing. She performed her much-loved rendition of “La Vie En Rose,” and her iconic hits “Pull Up to the Bumper” and “Slave to the Rhythm.” Famed hat designer Philip Treacy traveled from London to outfit Grace Jones with custom-designed hats for the performance.
Rich Ross chaired the event alongside David Bohnett, John Demsey, Tim Hanlon, and Rebecca Wang, with Naomi Campbell, Janet Jackson, Kenneth Cole, and Elisabeth Murdoch serving as Honorary Chairs. Presenting Sponsors were Wells Fargo and M·A·C Viva Glam, Microsoft was the Official Technology Partner, and the Hotel Partner was Chateau Marmont. Beverages were provided by Belvedere, Peroni, and Gloria Ferrer. Delta Air Lines is the Official Airline of amfAR.
The Inspiration Gala Los Angeles, produced by Josh Wood Productions, is part of a series of amfAR events celebrating all aspects of men’s style. Other events in the Inspiration series have taken place in Paris, New York, Miami, Toronto, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. Previous Award of Inspiration honorees have included Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Huvane, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Ricky Martin, James Franco, Francisco Costa, Mario Testino, Robert Duffy/Marc Jacobs International, and Fergie. To date, the Inspiration series has raised more than $10 million for amfAR.
About amfAR:
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $366 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.
About Josh Wood Productions:
Josh Wood Productions has produced and promoted socially conscious events and concerts featuring artists such as Arcade Fire, Lady Gaga, Ricky Gervais, Norah Jones, Kylie Minogue, Lou Reed, Scissors Sisters, Michael Stipe, and the Pet Shop Boys. Their events have raised money and awareness for Downtown for Democracy, The Guggenheim Foundation, Empire State Pride Agenda, Friends of Hillary, Friends of the Highline, Hetrik Martin Institute, MoveOn, Obama for America, Oxfam, Rock the Vote, The Royal Shakespeare Company and Veterans for Peace. Josh Wood Productions’ latest project, “The Inspiration Gala Series: A Celebration of Men’s Style,” is an international fashion gala fundraiser benefiting amfAR. For more information please visit www.joshwoodproductions.com.
About M·A·C Cosmetics
M·A·C (Make-up Art Cosmetics), a leading brand of professional cosmetics, was created in Toronto, Canada in 1984 and is part of The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. The company’s popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from makeup artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. M·A·C is now sold in 79 countries/territories worldwide. Follow M·A·C on Twitter @MACcosmetics (twitter.com/maccosmetics), become a M·A·C fan on Facebook (facebook.com/maccosmetics), watch M·A·C videos on YouTube and find our M·A·C Senior Artists at macartiststweets.com. For a M·A·C location visit maccosmetics.com.