The stars came out for amfAR's Inspiration Gala Los Angeles last week.
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 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 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.
