Haute Event: amfAR Inspiration Gala at The Plaza Hotel

The fourth annual amfAR Inspiration Gala recently took place at The Plaza Hotel with a star-studded guest list, including Jennifer Lopez, Alan Cumming, Uma Thurman, Liza Minnelli, Carly Rae Jepsen, Iman, Ireland Baldwin and many more. Presented by MAC Viva Glam and chaired by Kenneth Cole, the elegant black tie affair raised nearly $1 million for research that will surely leave its mark on the future of AIDS.

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, honored Ms. Lopez, Mr. Cumming and Valentino for their extraordinary philanthropic finesse in the fight against AIDS. André Leon Talley presented Ms. Lopez with the venerable Humanitarian Award, recognizing her altruistic work with Amnesty International, Children’s Health Fund, City of Hope, March of Dimes, the GRAMMY Foundation and her Lopez Family Foundation. Delighted with her honor, Lopez said, “I was so inspired by the news that the first child had been cured of AIDS. That’s an amazing step, and I know that with amfAR’s help, researchers can soon find a way to deliver a cure to the 300,000 children who so desperately need it.”

Liza Minnelli, amfAR Ambassador and dedicated supporter, announced Alan Cumming’s Award of Courage, celebrating his active role in amfAR’s integral research programs, countless charitable performances and defending voice for people living with AIDS.

On behalf of Valentino, Iman accepted the Award of Inspiration while calling attention to both his flawless style and fierce commitment to combat AIDS through fundraising and rhetoric.

Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen further energized the event with live performances of her top hits, “Tonight I’m Getting Over You” and “Call Me Maybe.”