25th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party Hosted By Sir Elton John And David Furnish Raises Record-Breaking $7 Million To Help End HIV/AIDS

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Feb 28, 2017, 11:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 25th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish raised a record-breaking $7 million for the global effort to end AIDS. The gala, which took place on Sunday, February 26, at West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, was generously sponsored by BVLGARI, Neuro Drinks and Diana Jenkins.

Attendees included Sir Elton John and David Furnish, Adam Lambert, Adriana Lima, Alano Miller, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amy Landecker, Andie Macdowell, Andrew Rannells, Anita Baker, Anna Musky, Ashley Tisdale, Ava DuVernay, Beck and Marissa Ribisi, Beejan Land, Bellamy Young, Bernie Taupin, Beverly Johnson, Big Sean, Bradley Whitford, Bryan Singer, Caitlyn Jenner, Caroline Vreeland, Carrie Brownstein, Cheyenne Jackson, Chris Colfer, Chris Cornell and Vicky Karayiannis, Chris Hardwick, Chrissy Metz, Ciara, Colman Domingo, Colton Haynes, Daniel Paltridge (President, North America at Bulgari), David Alan Grier, David Bisbal, Diana Jenkins, Dorit Kemsley, Eric Esrailian, Eric and Janet McCormack, Freida Pinto, Gabby Douglas, Gaby Hoffmann, Gordon Ramsay, Heidi Klum, Jane Seymour, Jay Duplass, JC Chasez, Jeffrey Tambor, Jhene Aiko, John Demsey (Group President at Estee Lauder), Josephine Skriver, Judith Light, Justin Hartley, Karen Buglisi (Global Brand President at M∙A∙C), Katharine McPhee, Keesha Sharp, Kiersey Clemons, Kyle MacLachlan and Desiree Gruber, Lady Caroline Grainge, Laverne Cox, Lea Michele, Leona Lewis, Lizzy McGroder, Lottie Moss, Luke Hemsworth, Lydia Hearst, Mark O'Brien, Matthew Morrison, Michelle Dockery, Mike Colter, Mike Medavoy, Parky and Peter Fonda, Patricia Hearst, Paul Kemsley, Paz Vega and Oren Segal, Petra Nemcova, Quincy Jones, Rachel Griffiths, Regina King, Ricky Martin, Robert Kraft, Ruby Rose, Russell Simmons, Russell Wilson, Ryan Adams, Ryan Kwanten, Sandra Lee, Seth MacFarlane, Sharon Stone, Smokey and Francis Robinson, Sting and Trudie Styler, Terry George, Tim and Jane Allen, Toni Collette, Tony Goldwyn, Tracee Ellis Ross, Vanessa Hudgens, and Yvonne Orji, among others.

Guests arrived at the Academy Awards Viewing Party for cocktails followed by a gala dinner and viewing of the 89th Academy Awards® telecast. For a fifth consecutive year, Chef Gordon Ramsay, British celebrity chef, television personality, restaurateur, and holder of 14 Michelin stars, prepared an exquisite five-course meal for guests. Moët Hennessy provided champagne, wines were provided by Domaine Bertaud Belieu, and spirits were provided by Chopin Vodka and Clase Azul Tequila.

During the evening, Elton and David introduced Open Road and Survival Pictures' new film – The Promise – which tells the story of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey at the outset of World War I. Written by Terry George and Robin Swicord and directed by Terry George (Hotel Rwanda), The Promise stars Oscar Issac, Christian Bale, and Charlotte Le Bon.

In addition to sharing EJAF's vision for championing human rights, The Promise team at Survival Pictures has taken the unprecedented step of making the commitment to donate all proceeds from the film to nonprofit humanitarian organizations including EJAF. As part of this commitment, Survival Pictures matched the pledges guests made to EJAF via text and live auction purchases during the event to help make EJAF's 25th annual Academy Awards Viewing Party a record-setting evening.

The dinner was followed by a lively auction conducted by Alexander Gilkes of Paddle8, which featured a Barrie Wentzell fine art print Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Hampstead Heath, 1970; BVLGARI Diva's Dream Necklace in white gold with pavé diamonds; Lalique and Damien Hirst Eternal Love, Eternal Beauty, and Eternal Hope limited edition crystal panels; Norman Seeff fine art prints Carly Simon, Los Angeles, 1974, and Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith, New York, "Robert and Patti II," 1969; a RETNA painting Close Lipped, 2016; a five-day vacation at Steven Tyler's Hawaiian retreat; and two tickets to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Following the auction, St. Paul & the Broken Bones took the stage for an exciting performance of their hit songs, including "I'll Be Your Woman" with Sir Elton John.

Audi, BBVA Compass, TheBLUEFISH, M∙A∙C Viva Glam, and StyleHaul partnered with EJAF as the evening's Co-Sponsors; the Foundation for Global Sports Development, Fin Gray and Michael Melnick, Ron Burkle, and Bob and Tamar Manoukian were Associate Sponsors. The Foundation is especially grateful to the City of West Hollywood for continued collaboration with EJAF on shared goals. American Airlines is EJAF's official airline.

In his remarks, EJAF Founder Sir Elton John thanked his guests for enthusiastically participating in an audience participation feature, which enabled guests to make gifts to the Foundation on the spot using their cell phones. Throughout the evening, live messages from EJAF friends Laverne Cox, Sharon Stone, Jeffrey Tambor, Amy Landecker, Gaby Hoffmann, Judith Light, and Jay Duplass encouraged guests to text in pledges to support the Foundation's urgent mission. The first 40 guests who donated $5,000 or more received a Christopher Makos limited edition print Andy American Flag, 1969.

"As we look back on our efforts over the past 25 years to prevent HIV infections, help people living with the disease, and speak up for their rights, we have a lot to be proud of and a lot of valuable experiences to inform our work going forward," said Elton. "This party and our work have always been about love, inclusion, fairness, and good health for everyone. We believe these remedies can cure anything – most especially AIDS."

Full Electronic Press Kit (EPK) and photos are available here.

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION – At EJAF, we believe AIDS can be beaten. We act on that belief by raising funds for evidence-based programs and policies, and also by speaking out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people's lives. Sir Elton John created EJAF almost 25 years ago, first in the United States in 1992 and then in the United Kingdom in 1993. Through hard work and with the help of our network of kind and generous friends and supporters, the two foundations together have raised more than $350 million over the past quarter century to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS. The U.S. foundation focuses its efforts on programs in the United States, the Americas, and the Caribbean, while the U.K. foundation funds HIV-related work in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Join us in speaking out, taking action, and contributing to our efforts to achieve a world without AIDS. For more information, please visit www.ejaf.org.

BVLGARI – 2014 marked the 130th year of Bulgari, a name emblematic of Italian excellence. Emboldened by 2,700 years of Roman history, Bulgari honors its rich past with modern designs. Known for stylistic audacity and a penchant for color, Bulgari pieces are immediately recognizable. Designing with the sensuality of volume, a love of linearity and a reverence for the art and architecture of Bulgari's Greek and Roman roots, these iconic features are found in each of Bulgari's creations. Harmonized with Rome's ancient history, Bulgari incorporates the city's symbolism while innovating its design for the future. Classic yet contemporary, Bulgari upholds its 130-year legacy with a timeless sense of exquisite beauty.

Originating in Rome, Bulgari was founded as a jewelry shop in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari. With passionate skill and vision, he set the stage for Bulgari to become a permanent emblem of Italian excellence. For the 130 years thereafter, Bulgari's ceaseless creativity, formidable history of innovation and a bold pioneering spirit led the jewelry House to become a legend. Bulgari is a name that has become synonymous with artisanal craftsmanship, avant-garde materials and unrivalled design. The Eternal City's architectural beauty has long inspired the Italian jeweler: Bulgari reinterprets the majestic symbols of Rome with extraordinary editions of jewelry, watches, accessories and perfumes. For more information, please visit www.bulgari.com/en-us/.

NEURO DRINKS – a line of healthy beverages for the body and the mind. Bottled proudly in the United States with the purest of ingredients, Neuro Drinks are Vegan, Gluten Free, and have no artificial colors or flavors. Each Neuro Bottle is BPA Free and 100% recyclable, while every Neuro Drink contains a low calorie count of 35 calories per bottle. Neuro SLEEP helps with the one thing we all love and don't get enough of: calm, restful sleep. A full serving of melatonin and magnesium in Neuro SLEEP work together to bring you a delicious, dormant, and dreamful night. Neuro TRIM is a trifecta of pre- and probiotic fibers, providing an excellent source of total fiber in addition to promoting digestive health and supporting weight loss efforts. Neuro BLISS is clinically studied to reduce stress and cortisol levels. It is built from a blend of high quality ingredients provided at peak levels to destress and calm your mind. Neuro SONIC is a refreshing alternative to the standard energy drink, utilizing green tea-based ingredients and superfruit extracts of pomegranate, acai, and blueberry to deliver clinically proven benefits such as sustained energy, better attention and reduced fatigue. Neuro DAILY is your own private body guard that offers you daily health with 1000IU of Vitamin D, pure Organic Aloe Vera from volcanic rich soil, as well as rich antioxidants. To learn more visit www.drinkneuro.com.

AMERICAN AIRLINES – American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL) is the holding company for American Airlines. Together with regional partners operating as American Eagle, American offers an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. This year, American Airlines Group Inc. topped Fortune Magazine's list of best business turnarounds, and its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

American Airlines is the official airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

SOURCE Elton John AIDS Foundation