GWYNETH PALTROW Attended as Honorary Chair
PANSY HO Served as Event Chair
ROBIN THICKE performed
Delta Air Lines, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong and Moët Hennessy – Signature Sponsors
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, raised more than $4 million at its inaugural fundraising gala in Hong Kong on March 14, 2015, at Shaw Studios.
Michelle Yeoh received special recognition during the event for her exceptional contributions to the global struggle against HIV/AIDS. The honor was presented by her good friends Sir David Tang, Silas Chou and Pansy Ho. Ho served as the event’s Chair, and Gwyneth Paltrow served as the event’s Honorary Chair. Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell also attended and served as Event Co-Chairs.
Kenneth Cole, amfAR’s Chairman of the Board, gave an impassioned speech that highlighted amfAR’s accomplishments and its goal of finding a cure for HIV/AIDS by 2020. Pansy Hospoke of the importance of Hong Kong’s involvement in the global fight against AIDS.
Guests enjoyed bidding on exclusive items during the live auction, conducted by the legendary and debonair Simon de Pury, which raised more than $2 million on its own.
A Jai Aili Friend oil canvas (2011) started at a healthy bid of $200,000, and hands immediately shot into the air across the room. After a quick but rigorous round of bidding, the painting sold for $550,000.
Gwyneth Paltrow joined de Pury on stage to feature a stunning Harry Winston Forget-Me-Not Necklace. The necklace features 189 marquise, pear-shaped and round brilliant diamonds in a lariat-style and weighs a total of 17.14 carats, set in platinum. The bidding started at $60,000 and quickly increased to sell at $140,000.
Robin Thicke rounded out the evening, getting the audience on their feet with his performance of his chart-topping hits “Blurred Lines,” “Give It To You” and “Magic.” He also kept the crowd dancing with his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.”
Harry Winston, Marc Jacobs and MGM China Holdings generously served as the event’s Presenting Sponsors. Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss were dressed in Marc Jacobs and Harry Winston. Michelle Yeoh and Pansy Ho were also adorned in Harry Winston for the evening.
Since amfAR’s first international benefit, held in 1993 during the Cannes International Film Festival and hosted by amfAR Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the Foundation’s international galas in Milan, New York, Cannes, India, Venice, Rome, São Paulo and beyond have become some of the most high-profile and eagerly anticipated charity events in the world and have helped raised millions for critical AIDS research programs. The events are known for their unpredictable nature with many of the celebrities in attendance participating in the live auctions or jumping onstage with impromptu performances.
amfAR Hong Kong featured a black-tie gala dinner featuring cocktails of Moët Hennessy champagnes and spirits.
amfAR has been very active in Asia for more than 20 years, and its TREAT Asia program has become a model of regional collaboration on HIV/AIDS since its founding 14 years ago. Since 1991, amfAR has awarded more than $17.2 million in grants to 120 organizations in 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. While Hong Kong ranks as one of the world’s lowest in HIV prevalence, the number of new HIV infections has been increasing steadily every year among gay men, other men who have sex with men, and young people in Hong Kong. The alarming rise in HIV cases is worrying, and it shows that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still a reality in Hong Kong, as it is in every other city around the world.
Delta Air Lines is the official airline of amfAR.
Harry Winston is the official jewelry and timepiece partner of amfAR.
Moët Hennessy is the official wine and spirits partner of amfAR.
Microsoft is the Official Technology Partner of amfAR.
amfAR Hong Kong is produced by Andrew Boose/AAB Productions and Josh Wood/Josh Wood Productions.
About Harry Winston, Inc.:Founded in New York City, in 1932, The House of Harry Winston continues to set the standard for the ultimate in fine jewelry and high-end watch making. From the acquisition of some of the world’s most famous gemstones, including the Jonker, Hope and Winston Legacy Diamonds, to adorning Hollywood’s leading ladies on the red carpet, for over eight decades, Harry Winston has been a symbol of the best there is. Headquartered in New York, the company operates retail salons worldwide, in locations including: New York, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures Charitable Program:
Supporting local communities and giving hope to those in need is a longstanding House tradition that began with our founder, Mr. Harry Winston. From 1949-1953, Mr. Winston organized an exhibition known as “The Court of Jewels” – a magnificent traveling collection featuring his most impressive and historic gems – which toured key cities across America raising money for local charitable causes.
Today, we continue this legacy of giving through The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures™ Charitable Program. Within this program, the company is proud to support organizations in our local salon communities that strive to give young people access to a quality education and the skills necessary to be successful in life and enable healthy futures.
Jacobs and Duffy continue to run the company and are committed to giving back to the communities where they have stores and beyond. They have been involved with over 100 charities worldwide and the ongoing support of many of these charitable projects—as well as new collaborations–continues to be a top priority.
Art is an integral part of MGM MACAU’s essence, informing every aspect from décor to personality. The MGM MACAU’s art programs at MGM Art Space serve as a metropolis where globally influential artworks are appreciated, interpreted and studied. As a major highlight, Botticelli’s enduring masterpiece, Venus, was featured in the inaugural exhibition of the MGM Art Space.
Through our sustainability vision, Creating a Better Tomorrow Today, there are many ways in which we give back to the community including volunteering events, sponsorship and donations. We seek to support the holistic needs of our local communities to make them a better place for all, helping vulnerable groups and education our youth are key focus areas of contribution.
Robyn Hawk
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