Adrien Brody, Nina Agdal, Dinho Diniz, Felipe Diniz, Seu Jorge, Bruna Marquezine, Pauline Ducruet, and Isabeli Fontana were among those who gathered last month at the eighth annual amfAR Gala São Paulo to honor Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. and television star Sabrina Sato for their longtime commitment to amfAR and other charitable causes.
The event raised $1 million for amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research programs.
Others guests in attendance included Alexandre Birman, Carlos Jereissati Filho, Marina Morena, Vik Muniz and Malu Barreto, Ellen von Unwerth, Patricia Bonaldi, Karim Al-Fayed and Brena Costa, Julia Faria, Luciana Tranchesi, Camila Coutinho, Diego Ferrero, Lele Saddi, Vic Ceridono, Nati Vozza, Mari Goldfarb, Pedro Bial and Maria Prata, Cleo Pires, Iza, Reinaldo Lourenço, Babi Beluco, Meilena Penteado, Duda Nagle, Nathalie Edenburg, Nizan Guanaes, Donata Meirelles, Helena Bordon, Thaila Ayala, Camila Queiroz, Barbara Fialho, Helo Rocha, Juliana Santos, Daniela Falcão, Laura Neiva, and Ara Vartanian.
Adrien Brody and event co-host Felipe Diniz opened the evening by welcoming guests and thanking the event sponsors. They reminded guests that their support directly impacts amfAR’s lifesaving research, and encouraged them to bid generously in the auction.
Model and singer Barbara Fialho then welcomed Brazilian superstar Seu Jorge to the stage, who captivated the audience with a memorable tribute to David Bowie, and later had the crowd dancing to a variety of original hits.
Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine introduced amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost, who conveyed his sincere gratitude to Dinho and Felipe Diniz for once again hosting amfAR in São Paulo. He emphasized that a cure for HIV is imperative, as “AIDS still claims a million or more lives each year,” and “16 million people don’t have access to lifesaving treatment.” He then spoke about amfAR’s ongoing Countdown to a Cure for AIDS initiative, “that is accelerating our cure research efforts and is already producing some very promising results.”
Donata Meirelles, Style Director of Vogue Brasil, presented the amfAR Award of Courage to Sabrina Sato, speaking of her commitment to “countless charitable causes since her childhood.” In her acceptance speech, Sabrina Sato said, “when we love life, we have the energy to work our best to help others,” and expressed that she is proud to put her energy towards amfAR’s amazing work.
Neymar Jr. accepted the amfAR Award of courage from his mother, Nadine Gonçalves, who expressed pride in her son’s important humanitarian work. Neymar thanked amfAR for the honor, and said he was happy to be a part of an important cause that he greatly admires.
Nizan Guanaes and Helena Bordon initiated the evening’s fundraising efforts with a text to pledge drive. Nina Agdal then took the stage with Adrien Brody to introduce amfAR’s “Be Epic” social media campaign. Ms. Agdal encouraged guests to post on Instagram, as event sponsor Karavelle would generously donate $100 per post – up to $15,000 – to HIV cure research.
Guests also enjoyed bidding on an array of exclusive items and experiences during the live auction, conducted by Gabriel Butu. Highlights included:
“Transgeometrica #1,” an artwork by Assume Vivid Astro Focus, and a pair of Ara Vartanian Black and White Diamond Mobile Earrings, modeled onstage by Nina Agdal, were both bought by honoree Neymar Jr.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the 2019 Carnival in Rio with Sabrina Sato, and to choose one of her previous costumes to wear.
A private poker night with Neymar Jr. and friends.
A very limited edition bottle of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Vintage 1999 Brut Salmanazar (9L) and trip for two to Epernay in the Champagne region of France, featuring an exclusive private tour and champagne tasting at Maison Perrier-Jouët
Ernesto Neto’s crochet sculpture, “One day we were fishes kissing in the garden.”
Dinho Diniz and Felipe Diniz served as event hosts. Chairs of the event included Nina Agdal, Anna Cleveland, Francisco Costa, Thibault Cuny, Pauline Ducruet, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Constance Jablonski, Carlos Jereissati Filho, Ricky Martin, Marina Morena, Kate Moss, Vik Muniz and Malu Barreto, Pelé, Ellen von Unwerth, and Ara Vartanian. Event Co-Chairs included Fran Cutler, Miguel Garcia, and Holger Marquardt.
The event’s Signature Sponsors were Iguatemi São Paulo, Karavelle, and Champagne Perrier-Jouët. Guests enjoyed Perrier-Jouët champagne and Absolut Elyx cocktails during the evening. Mercedes-Benz, Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo Hotel, and Vogue Brasil were the Associate Sponsors. Ara Vartanian was the Luxury Jewelry Sponsor for the event. Delta Air Lines is the Official Airline of amfAR. The amfAR Gala São Paulo is produced by Josh Wood/Josh Wood Productions.
To date, the amfAR Gala São Paulo has raised over $12.5 million for amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research programs.
