FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Bennah Serfaty, amfAR Senior Director of Communications, (212) 806-1607, bennah.serfaty@amfar.org
Louisa Fruehauf, amfAR Media Relations Associate, (212) 806-1632, louisa.fruehauf@amfar.org
EDWARD ENNINFUL HONORED AT amfAR MILANO 2018
ZARA LARSSON AND JULIAN PERRETTA PERFORMED
Photo Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vvk52dqtpbp8nxd/AACFhVHP2Cr-gJYs86YnTGmZa?dl=0
EPK Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2daxe558uhhenvo/AAB06_W3_F0q4zP3E0DGj0DAa?dl=0&preview=AMFAR_MILAN_EPK_2018.mp4
For additional photos and video material, contact WireImage/Getty Images.
Milan, Italy, September 22, 2018 — Adwoa Aboah, Halima Aden, Nina Agdal, Bianca Balti, Mariacarla Boscono, Karen Elson, Winnie Harlow, Liam Payne, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Evan Ross, and Amber Valletta were among those who joined the Italian fashion community in Milan last night to honor Edward Enninful and to help raise funds for amfAR’s innovative AIDS research programs. The tenth annual amfAR Milano gala was held at La Permanente in conjunction with Milan Fashion Week and raised $1.2 million for the Foundation. The black-tie dinner featured special live performances by Zara Larsson and Julian Perretta.
Karen Elson opened the evening by thanking the event’s sponsors, and introducing amfAR's Chairman of the Board Bill Roedy, who spoke about the importance of finding a cure for HIV. He recognized that although there has been remarkable progress in the fight against AIDS, the disease is “complex and challenging,” and finding “a cure is essential” for the 37 million individuals globally who are still living with HIV. He thanked the fashion industry for their longtime partnership in Milan and reminded them that their support directly impacts amfAR’s lifesaving research.
Adwoa Aboah took the stage to present Edward Enninful with the amfAR Award of Courage, in recognition of his outstanding personal commitment to the fight against AIDS and his broad philanthropic efforts. She shared that throughout his life, “he has retained the huge heart, the warmth, the gentleness, the humanity that continue to shape and define him.” In Enninful's acceptance speech, he spoke of the terrible stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and said that “we all share the responsibility to promote tolerance and compassion for each other within our communities.” He dedicated his award “to all the great people that continue to drive us forward and not back.”
Additional guests included Xenia Adonts, Gilda Ambrosio, Alanna Arrington, Noel Berry, Rose Bertram, Amos Bocelli, Abby Champion, Francesca Chillemi, Cameron Dallas, Caroline Daur, Pauline Ducruet, Stella Egitto, Grace Elizabeth, Lele del Fabbro, David Alexander Flinn, Isabeli Fontana, Selena Forrest, Guy Gerber, Ghali, Kat Graham, Mathilde Goehler, Ann-Kathrin Götze, Maya Henry, Johannes Huebl, Remee Jackman, Rossmarjin de Kok, Brandon Thomas Lee, Alec Maxwell, Sophia Neophitou, Eliana Miglio, Lineisy Montero, Hikari Mori, Jacopo Olmo Antinori, Olivia Palermo, Brittney Palmer, Will Peltz, Sofia Resing, Venetia Scott, Jasmine Sanders, Lady Kitty Spencer, Larsen Thompson, Duckie Thot, Giorgia Tordini, Ellen von Unwerth, Megan Williams, Anok Yai, Monique Zordan.
The evening’s live auction, led by event producer Andy Boose, featured an array of lots including:
· A Cracking Art Giant Elephant limited edition sculpture, presented by Isabeli Fontana.
· A Terry O’Neill portrait of Kate Moss.
· Football star Fabio Galante introduced ground box seats to the Inter vs. Juventus football Derby d’Italia and a private dinner with football legend Javier Zanetti.
· Nina Agdal toasted onstage to Perrier-Jouët Champagne prior to starting the bidding on a trip for two to Paris and Epernay, featuring an exclusive private tour and champagne tasting at Maison Perrier-Jouët.
· Ellen von Unwerth was joined by Jasmine Sanders to introduce her behind the scenes photo of Gisele Bündchen.
· Kat Graham introduced a luxury truffle hunting excursion for six guests, which includes three nights at the Locanda del Pilone in Piedmont, Italy, Michelin-starred white truffle dinner, and private tour and wine tasting at Boroli estate with Achille Boroli.
· Two tickets to the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with access to rehearsals and the after party sold twice.
The evening also featured two incredible performances. English musician, Julian Perretta, performed stunning renditions of “Are You With Me” and “In My Mind,” while Swedish pop sensation, Zara Larsson, had the audience on their feet and ready for the after-party with hits such as “Never Forget You” and “Lush Life.” The dancing continued at the after-party with music from DJ Johnny Dynell and DJ Dimitri From Paris.
Throughout the years, the Italian fashion community has been exemplary in its support of amfAR, with fashion houses and designers underwriting and leading many of the Foundation’s most successful fundraising efforts. Since amfAR’s first international benefit, held in 1993 during the Cannes Film Festival and hosted by amfAR Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the Foundation’s international galas in Milan, New York, Cannes, Venice, Rome, and beyond have become some of the most high-profile and eagerly anticipated charity events in the world and have helped raise millions for critical AIDS research programs.
Pernod Ricard is the Signature Partner, featuring Perrier-Jouët Champagne and Absolut Elyx. Delta Air Lines is the Official Airline of amfAR. Wines generously provided by Boroli.
The amfAR Gala Milano is produced by Andy Boose/AAB Productions.
Official Hashtag of the Event: #amfARMilano
For more information, visit www.amfar.org/milano2018
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 advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $517 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,300 grants to research teams worldwide.