FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Joana Casas, Program Communications Manager
P: (212) 806-1602; E: joana.casas@amfar.org
amfAR Announces Special Edition Tote Bag Designed by Jean Paul Gaultier to Raise HIV/AIDS Awareness
Heidi Klum Helps Promote Limited Edition Product Available at Bloomingdale’s Stores; Proceeds to Benefit HIV/AIDS Research
NEW YORK, May 28, 2014 – amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, today announced the release of a special edition canvas tote bag designed by fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier to raise awareness and funds to help find a cure for HIV/AIDS.
Launching exclusively at Bloomingdale’s department stores for a limited time, the special edition tote bag features a nautical-inspired design by Gaultier, a longtime supporter of amfAR, and bears the designer’s signature on the front. Heidi Klum, another longtime friend of amfAR who has chaired countless fundraisers for the Foundation, including the most recent 21st Cinema Against AIDS event in Cannes on May 22, donated her time to model the bag for amfAR.
“I have admired amfAR and their dedication to finding a cure for HIV/AIDS through research for many years now,” said Klum. “This tote bag is a great way to make a statement – whether you’re at the beach, by the pool, or at the park – and let people know that you are supporting amfAR’s efforts to end the AIDS epidemic.”
Starting June 1, the tote bag will be available at Bloomingdale’s department stores across the United States for $35, with 100 percent of the purchase price going to amfAR’s life-saving research programs. Bloomingdale’s has been a strong corporate supporter of amfAR since 1986.
The bags will also be available from amfAR at its online shop (http://shop.amfar.org/) mid-summer.
“We are so grateful to have the support of fashion giants Jean Paul Gaultier, Heidi Klum, and Bloomingdale’s in helping us spread amfAR’s message and in giving people a stylish way to support AIDS research and our search for a cure,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost.
The bag design by Gaultier was originally a part of “ArtBags,” a fundraising awareness campaign developed by STOP AIDS NOW!, a Netherlands-based organization that aims to expand and enhance the quality of the Dutch contribution to the AIDS response in developing countries.
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 $388 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 3,300 research teams worldwide. Learn more about amfAR at www.amfar.org.
About Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale's is America's only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store and a division of Macy's, Inc. It was founded in 1872 and currently operates 37 Bloomingdale's stores and 13 Bloomingdale's, The Outlet Stores in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, New Hampshire, California, and Texas. In addition, Bloomingdale's has an international presence with a location in Dubai. Be sure to follow @bloomingdales on social media, become a Loyallist, and for more information, or to shop any time, visit www.bloomingdales.com.
About STOP AIDS NOW
STOP AIDS NOW! aims to expand and enhance the quality of the Dutch contribution to the AIDS response in developing countries. We intend to halt the AIDS pandemic and its consequences. STOP AIDS NOW!, an independent and partnership-driven organization, was founded in 2000 by Aids Fonds and four Dutch development organizations: Cordaid, Hivos, ICCO, and Oxfam Novib. For more information, visit http://stopaidsnow.org/
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