Haute Event: amfAR’s Inspiration Gala

$3.5 million was raised during amfAR’s gala at LA’s Milk Studios on Thursday evening.

Comedienne Chelsea Handler hosted the event for her second consecutive year, which saw Goldie Hawn, Aileen Getty and Hugo Boss honored for their contributions to AIDS research.

Getty in particular was overwhelmingly generous during the event, donating an impromptu $1 million to amfAR; the organization’s fundraising chairman, Sharon Stone, made the announcement onstage.  Ms. Getty also remarked during her award acceptance speech that she was dedicating the honor to late mother-in-law Elizabeth Taylor,  who “used the power of love and acceptance to inspire and demand action.”

After the awards were handed out and dinner was served, 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 Jones with custom-designed hats for the performance.

Attendees included 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 and amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole. 

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 included 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.

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