Elton John AIDS Foundation, LALIQUE and Paddle8 announce ELTON JOHN MUSIC IS LOVE FOR LALIQUE

A new project to help raise critical funds for the global fight to end AIDS

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Sep 10, 2015, 10:00 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Elton John AIDS Foundation, a leader in the global fight to end AIDS, LALIQUE, one of the world's best-known manufacturers of crystal, and Paddle8, the premier online auction house, today unveiled the ELTON JOHN MUSIC IS LOVE FOR LALIQUE, a collection of seven exceptional crystal sculptures, four of which will be auctioned off and sold to raise critical funds to fight the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.

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"For me, this partnership with Lalique clearly demonstrates the company's deep commitment to its role as a global corporate citizen," said Elton John, founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. "We are proud to partner with Lalique and Paddle8 to raise funds that will support important projects in the fight against AIDS in the Americas and in the Caribbean."

Three pieces from the MUSIC IS LOVE collection will be available for purchase starting September 10, 2015, at LALIQUE boutiques nationwide and select retailers. These pieces include the crystal angel, limited to 999 worldwide ($1,800), the red crystal heart, limited to 499 worldwide ($1,800) and the clear crystal heart, limited to 999 worldwide ($1,200). 10% of the proceeds will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The masterpiece of the collection, the unique Angel Cire Perdue in clear and red crystal, together with three additional unique special editions of the standing Angel and Heart, will be auctioned off by Paddle8 at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 28, 2016. These special pieces will be available online in the weeks leading up to the live auction and accessible via Paddle8.com and Paddle8's free iPhone app, which is used by Paddle8's global community of 500,000 collectors. Paddle8 co-founder Alexander Gilkes will also serve as live auctioneer for the third consecutive year at the viewing party. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Dedicated website: http://www.lalique.com/ej/
Full information and images are available and can be downloaded here:
http://www.lalique.com/press/elton-john-music-is-love/

ABOUT EJAF
At the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) we believe that AIDS can be beaten. We act on that belief by raising funds for effective programs and policies, and also by speaking out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people's lives. Sir Elton John created EJAF over twenty 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, amazing, creative, and generous friends and supporters, the two foundations together have raised more than $321 million over the past two decades 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.

ABOUT LALIQUE
Founded in 1888, over a century ago, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France's crystal industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewelry, then became Master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and an immediately recognizable style. Today, Lalique has reinvented the creative, eclectic world of its founder with its contemporary work in five areas: jewelry, decorative items, interior design, perfumes, and art. The crystal pieces are produced in Alsace France at the unique Lalique factory, opened in 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand. www.lalique.com

ABOUT PADDLE8
Paddle8 is the premier online collecting destination, presenting auctions of extraordinary art, design, jewelry, watches, and collectibles. Using innovative technology, Paddle8 has streamlined the collecting experience, combining the taste and trust of an auction house with the ease and efficiency of an e-commerce company. In addition, Paddle8 has partnered with over 350 non-profit organizations worldwide to present benefit auctions to our global community of 500,000 collectors, helping each organization expand its fundraising results. Founded in 2011, Paddle8 has over 120 employees worldwide, with teams in New York, L.A., and London. Paddle8 is funded by the investors behind Uber, Vimeo, Buzzfeed, Paperless Post, Warby Parker, and Bonobos, among others, as well as art-world insiders including artist Damien Hirst, art dealer Jay Jopling, and Matthew Mellon. paddle8.com

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SOURCE Elton John AIDS Foundation