Look To The Stars News: Elton John AIDS Foundation

Elton John AIDS Foundation Funds Needle Exchange

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:30:00 -0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) is helping to fund community based needle exchange programs in an effort to reduce the spread of blood born diseases among intervenes users.

In the United States over 1 million people are living with HIV and AIDS. Fifty thousand new infections occur every year and nearly eight thousand of those are directly related to intervenes drug use, as well as is the spread of hepatitis B and C.

As part of the Program, volunteers set up stations around New York City to service intervenes users from a large van stocked with clean needles and supplies.

Director of Community Relations and New York Harm Reduction Educator, Troy Branch, says, “If you’re going to inject yourself, use clean needles. We’ll give you 50 new ones if you give us 50 old ones. It’s been extremely successful.”

“We know that providing sterile syringes will prevent HIV,” says another volunteer.

Besides the needle exchange, other services are also available from the van, such as hepatitis screening, vaccines, HIV testing and treatment programs.

Branch says, “If it wasn’t for services like ours, these people wouldn’t get any help at all.”

In a statement on the EJAF website, Elton John says, “I have lost many dear friends to this terrible disease. In the mid-1980s, I began channeling my grief into efforts to help raise money for the pioneering charitable organizations that formed during those dark, grim years to fund AIDS research and provide vital services to people with HIV/AIDS.”

Today, forty million people are infected with HIV; eight thousand die every day.

Sir Elton John's White Tie And Tiara Party Hits The Beach

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Once a year Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish throw open the doors of their exquisite Berkshire home to a sparkling array of celebrities for their annual White Tie and Tiara Ball, and last night was no different as a staggering number of stars filed into the singer’s house for this year’s much-looked-forward-to event.

More than 600 guests turned up to the beach-themed party, each paying around US$6,000 for the dinner, auction, and concert. This year’s performance came from Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, and attendees included Bill Clinton, Elle Macpherson, Denzel Washington, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael Caine, Simon Cowell, Rod Stewart, Mischa Barton, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Gordon Ramsay, Tracey Emin, Roger Federer, Natalie Imbruglia, Kelly Osbourne, and Jemima Khan.

Sir Elton decorated his lavish garden with palm trees and sand for the party, which raised money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Last year’s event raised over $12 million for the cause, and the White Tie and Tiara Balls have made over $50 million since 1998.

Life In The Fast Lane Gets Even Faster For Kimi Raikkonen

Tue, 27 May 2008 11:25:26 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Ferrari’s Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen may be used to life in the fast lane, but things are going to get a whole lot faster thanks to a charity auction held late last week.

The driver paid $315,000 for a 1974 Chevrolet Corvette owned by Hollywood actress Sharon Stone at the Amber Fashion Show and Auction in aid of the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Friday night in Monaco.

The gala, held at the Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel, raised over $1.6 million for the charity, and was attended by a “who’s who” of the motor racing world. McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, Honda’s Jenson Button, Red Bull’s Mark Webber, and Renault’s Nelson Piquet were among drivers modelling a collection designed by Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone’s daughter, and many of them looked like they will have a career in high fashion modelling after their racing days are over.

But it was the auction that raised most people’s eyebrows, with a number of high value items going under the hammer. As well as Stone’s Corvette – which only had 4 miles on the clock – billionaire Vijay Mallya, co-owner of the Force India Formula One team, paid $357,000 for a piano used by Elton John to write his “Songs from the West Coast” album in 2001. Mallya also donated a one-week cruise on his 95-metre “Indian Empress”, one of the largest privately-owned yachts in the world, with that going out the door for $592,000.

Celebrities Land On Planet Life Ball

Thu, 22 May 2008 11:11:11 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Elton John, actresses Sharon Stone, Kim Cattrall, Rose McGowan, model Linda Evangelista and about 45,000 aliens attended the 16th annual Life Ball last weekend in Vienna, Austria. Many dressed in space costumes to promote this year’s theme of ‘embracing the alien’ in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Organised by Aids Life, the annual benefit gala raises funds for HIV/AIDS charities offering relief projects and, through the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR), to international organizations that support the world’s worst affected areas.

After speeches and a fashion show, the party of 4000 ticket-holders headed inside to Vienna City Hall’s ballrooms and dance floors for a modern version of the traditional Viennese Ball and a full night of festivities. The fashion show this year focused on male-female relationships as opposed to last year’s sensual gay clichés.

Life Ball organizer Gery Keszler’s message is that heterosexuals need to be more aware of the dangers regarding HIV/AIDS.

Kim Cattrall supported this notion with: “Do it like Samantha, always have a condom with you,” referring to her Sex and the City character.

Last year’s Ball, celebrating open-mindedness and diversity in the world, raised €1.2 million. This year’s event, fostering humanity, tolerance and understanding and against ignorance and prejudice, was hoping to beat that record.

Elton John Joins The Presidential Race

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:20:30 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Elton John has hit the campaign trail for AIDS… and a new President of the United States.

The 61-year-old singer performed a concert in Missoula, Montana, on Friday, in return for $75,000 raised by the University of Montana for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. And $20,000 of the money will stay in the local community as part of a pledge to the Missoula AIDS Council.

The concert followed a benefit show earlier in the week that the Rocket Man played for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. The performance, which took place on Wednesday at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, raised over $2.6 million for Clinton.

Former President Bill Clinton took to the stage at the start of the concert – minus his saxophone – to introduce the singer, who was facing criticism for donating the proceeds of the show when he is not an American citizen. Questions had been raised beforehand regarding whether John’s fundraiser contravened the Federal Election Campaign Act, which seeks to minimize foreign intervention in US elections and “prohibits any foreign national from contributing, donating, or spending funds in connection with any… election in the United States.”

Clinton’s office was quick to respond to the claims: “Foreign nationals may volunteer their time for campaigns on an uncompensated basis,” they said in a statement. “Elton John is simply volunteering his uncompensated time to appear at the concert.”

John made his support for the Clinton campaign clear from the outset.

“There is no one more qualified to lead America,” he said during the show. “I’m amazed by the misogynistic attitudes of some of the people in this country… I love you, Hillary, I’ll be there for you.”

Elton's Oscar Party Raises $5.1m

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:50:42 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Sunday night saw the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 16th annual Academy Awards viewing party, which this year raised $5.1 million thanks to its spectacular guest list.

The Pacific Design Center venue saw even more of Hollywood’s glitterati than anticipated, boasting the attendance of “Best Actress” award winner Marion Cotillard and “Best Supporting Actor” nominee Tom Wilkinson. Further top names present included Amy Adams, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, Sean Penn, Patricia Clarkson, Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford, Josh Groban, Faye Dunaway, Sean Combs, Seal and Heidi Klum, Prince, Kate Beckinsale, Billy Joel, Courtney Love, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Petra Nemcova, Jeremy Piven, Roberto Cavalli, Minnie Driver, Simon Cowell and Herbie Hancock.

The gala was co-hosted by Elton’s partner David Furnish, and included dinner, a musical performance by Elton himself and a live auction.

Sharon Stone acted as auctioneer, and Elton offered to remove his trousers if it would raise more money. Stone added that she wouldn’t follow suit.

Yet more stars seen at the event included Natasha Henstridge, Larry King, Eric McCormack, Jason Lewis, Jonny Lee Miller, Brett Ratner, Jason Reitman, Rupert Murdoch, Jennifer Coolidge, Russell Simmons, Cheryl Tiegs, John Waters and Ziyi Zhang.

Since its inception in 1992, Elton’s foundation has raised more than $125 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries.

Stars Prepare For Oscar Glory With Charity Parties

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:56:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The next few days will be busy for Hollywood’s elite, as they practice their speeches and iron their gowns in anticipation of the 80th Academy Awards to be held on Sunday, February 24. As always, part of the pizzazz of the event is the glamorous parties in the days leading up to the big night. And although many of these soirees give the rich and famous a chance to be seen in the right places, a few are designed to raise awareness and funds for causes other than fame.

Wednesday, February 20, will see the Fifth Annual Global Green Pre-Oscar Party hit Hollywood between the eyes, with an event formulated to promote “smart solutions to global warming”. The party, to be held at the Avalon in Hollywood, will feature performances by Damien Rice and Michelle Branch, as well as Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the stars of Oscar-nominated musical, Once.

A huge selection of stars are expected to attend the event, including Salma Hayek, Alicia Silverstone, Val Kilmer, Adrian Grenier, Dana Delany, and Josie Maran. There is also a strong possibility that committee members Orlando Bloom and Leonardo DiCaprio may also attend.

Tickets to the party, available from the Global Green website, cost $250 for general admission and $5,000 for “green carpet” access and entry to the Patron Lounge, with all proceeds going to Global Green’s climate initiatives and their efforts to rebuild a green New Orleans.

Another big event in the next few days is the 16th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party, to be held at the Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood, on February 24.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation gala is the most highly visible and successful fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night, and over the past 15 years has generated over $15 Million for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“This event is our most important fundraiser of the year,” the Foundation stated in a media statement. “Last year, we raised over $4.3 million, and we expect to exceed that record this year.”

The evening will begin at 4pm, with a special cocktail reception, followed by a formal dinner and a live screening of the Academy Awards. An auction, featuring items such as a vintage Corvette from Sharon Stone’s collection, will also be held, and Sir Elton will perform for guests such as Victoria and David Beckham, Ellen DeGeneres, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, and Elizabeth Taylor.

“With the loyal support of the Hollywood community, the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party has raised significant attention and funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS over the past 15 years,” said Foundation Director Scott Campbell. “This year we hope to set the bar even higher and let the world know that we are as committed as ever to fighting this devastating disease.”

Absentee bids and more information on the event can be found at the Elton John AIDS Foundation website.

Elton John Donates Motorcycles To Africa

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:51:17 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of Africa’s poorest countries has received a special gift from one of entertainment’s biggest and most colorful stars.

Elton John took time out from a tour of South Africa on January 17 to visit the nation of Lesotho and donate 120 motorcycles, to be used by doctors and nurses when treating medical emergencies the state’s more remote areas.

“We want to improve the transport system by bringing health care to millions of people living in the most rural areas and thus make a difference in their lives,” said the 60-year-old singer, who handed over the motorcycles to representatives of the Riders For Health program at a ceremony just outside the capital city of Maseru.

“The nurses and doctors will now have transport to follow up patients in the villages, to support community health workers,” added Lesotho Health Ministry spokesperson Tumisang Mokoai. “The motorcycles will be distributed to all health centers in Lesotho.”

Riders For Health has been working on treatment supply problems in Africa for over 15 years, and relies on organizations such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation for support and funding. The program entered Lesotho in 1991, with support from Save the Children, and medical treatment was delivered around the mountainous country’s 1.8 million people on 47 Kawasaki KV175s – which Riders For Health proudly points out ran for 7 years without a breakdown. Service was reduced in 1997, but the new motorcycles will begin a new push for the program in Lesotho in 2008.

Lesotho is a nation completely encircled by South Africa and suffers horrendous poverty and health statistics, with 23% of men aged between 15 and 45 suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Bono's Fishy T-Shirt Benefits African Farmers

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:41:01 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Bono has designed a new T-shirt for charity, joining a host of other celebrities in an on-going and major charity campaign.

The 47-year-old singer from U2 is the 25th artist to design a shirt for Hard Rock Café’s Signature Series clothing line, an initiative started in 1990 as a way for musicians to raise money for charities of their choice. Sales from the shirts have raised over $6 million for a variety of causes.

Bono’s creation, available for $26 from the Hard Rock website, features his stylized drawing of a fish soaring past the moon, and is adorned with the words “Fish Can Fly”, as well as his signature. 15% of the proceeds will go to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Conservation Cotton initiative – a scheme designed to lift African farmers out of poverty by providing education on proper land management, organic cotton growing techniques, and wildlife conservation. The shirts will also support the trade for aid ethos of EDUN, the conscious consumerism fashion label founded by Bono and his wife in 2005, by being made from 100% African cotton and manufactured by African garment workers.

Other artists to have designed shirts for the initiative in the past include Green Day, who raised money for Amnesty International’s Campaign To Save Darfur, Shakira who chose to benefit Pies Descalzos, Ozzy Osbourne for the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program, Bruce Springsteen for World Hunger Year, Eric Clapton for the Crossroads Centre, Peter Gabriel for Witness, Sting and Elton John for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Michael Stipe for Artists for a New South Africa, Don Henley for the Walden Woods Project, John Mellencamp for the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation, and Stevie Nicks for the Special Olympics. Carlos Santana and Aerosmith have also contributed designs. Many of these shirts are still available from the Hard Rock website.

Bono’s “Fish Can Fly” is more than just a phrase – it is a message that tomorrow can be better than today.

Stars Sparkle for Elton John AIDS Foundation

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:00:54 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A charity party organised by Sir Elton John has raised $12.2 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and was a night to remember for all those involved.

Kate Winslet, Dame Judi Dench, and Elle Macpherson were among the 500 guests who dusted off their best clothes for the 9th annual White Tie and Tiara charity ball and auction, held on June 28 at Sir Elton’s home in Berkshire.

The theme of the night was “Las Vegas”, and the evening sparkled and shone as the celebrity party-goers wore their most stylish dresses and suits for the $6000/ticket event. Sir Elton’s house, “Woodside”, was lavishly decorated with a pink stretch cadillac, giant props from his “Red Piano” shows at Caesar’s Palace, and seven Elvis impersonators serenaded the crowd as they enjoyed a feast of “Las Vegas proportions”: truffle soufflé, followed by filet mignon with Maine lobster tail, and a giant knickerbocker glory for desert.

The dinner was followed by a special auction, in which guests bid on items such as a four day tennis lesson with Roger Federer (sold for $650,000), and an Audi R8 sportscar (snapped up for $800,000).

The most sought-after items for sale on the night included an artwork by party guest Tracey Emin, a trip to South Africa with Sir Elton and his partner, and a brand new Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe (which is said to be so elite that it has a waiting list that lasts until 2009). All of these items were sold for over $1.6 million each.

After the auction, guests such as Sir Michael Caine, Kirsten Dunst, and Stephen Fry – who wore a white tie AND tiara – were treated to the concert event of a lifetime. Backed by a 25 piece orchestra, Elton John joined Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Tom Jones on stage to duet on songs such as “Hey Big Spender” and “Delilah”.

During the event, Sir Elton said that over the last 15 years the Elton John Aids Foundation has raised over $125 million. Much of this money has been used to raise awareness and aid for those affected by the disease in 55 countries.

More Music Against AIDS

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 19:26:47 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

After thirteen years of the annual One Mighty Weekend parties being held at The Walt Disney Resort in Florida, founder and producer Johnny Chisholm is bringing the show to Europe, with the first of four European events set to take place at Disneyland Resort Paris June 29 and 30.

This year’s shows once again benefit the non-profit Elton John AIDS Foundation. According to EJAF Executive Director Scott Campbell, these contributions are a huge help for the Foundation’s work in the worldwide fight against AIDS. The 2006 OMW generated $50,000 for the cause, and this year’s goal is to raise at least the same per show.

One Mighty Weekend has grown into America’s largest gay and lesbian celebration. It looks like it might grow into Europe’s as well – according to JustCircuit.com, the European party community is cancelling plans to attend the Madrid Pride events in lieu of Paris.

The Florida event held at the start of June featured diva Kathy Griffin and “Queen of Disco” Donna Summer. Paris headline performers are Gloria Gaynor and just-announced Mariah Carey.

Meanwhile, Elton John headlined a free concert in Kiev in an effort to bring attention to Ukraine’s AIDS problems. He performed to a 200,000-plus audience, including past and present top government officials. The concert was broadcast live on Ukrainian television.

EJAF has funded over $2.6 million in HIV/AIDS related projects in the Ukraine over the past six years. Mr John is also, with singer Olena Franchuk’s ANTIAIDS Foundation, launching a five-year project to help HIV-positive children and their families.

Elton's Charity To Raise AIDS Awareness In India

Mon, 21 May 2007 13:32:12 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Sir Elton John has joined with CARE International UK and other leading international aid agencies to put food at the forefront of the fight against HIV and AIDS in India.

A £500,000 ($1 million) contribution from the Elton John AIDS Foundation is crucial to ensuring the success of the new Balasahyoga project, which aims to improve the quality of life of children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS and their families in India’s Andhra Pradesh state by providing care, support and treatment services.

The project will help 150,000 people affected by HIV and AIDS get better access to food and nutrition, as well as a chance to build sustainable livelihoods.

Sir Elton said, “If we have learned anything from this epidemic over the past 20 years, it is that success is only possible with collaboration. I hope this project will serve as a model for public/private partnership of HIV and AIDS treatment and care in India.”

Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of CARE UK warns that it is almost impossible to fight the HIV virus without effective nutrition. Malnourished people have weaker immune systems and are much more susceptible to infection. To stay strong children infected with HIV can need as much as twice the amount of food that healthy children need.

“The fight against HIV cannot be won using drugs alone. Some anti-retroviral therapies are only effective when taken on a full stomach, so drug treatments must be run alongside programmes which ensure those affected have access to reliable food supplies. The need for food might soon overtake the need for anti-retroviral treatment in some areas of the world”, he added.

The HIV virus has reached epidemic levels in Andhra Pradesh. To fight it CARE International, along with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Family Health International (FHI), the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI) and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) have joined forces.

Sir Elton has commended NACO for its vision and leadership in inviting world class partners such as CHAI, FHI and CARE International to join them in Andhra Pradesh in delivering a holistic package of services to those that so desperately need them.

“I am proud that my own Foundation can complement CIFF’s funding of this project by contributing the vital ingredient of sustainable food security”, he said.

Elton Will Donate Libel Damages To Charity

Thu, 25 May 2006 16:49:22 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

A London High Court libel judgement against The Daily Mail will require the British newspaper to compensate Sir Elton John to the tune of £100,000 ($188,000) for a defamatory article it printed about the star.

Elton promptly announced that he will donate the entirety of the damages directly to his own charity, the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Charity Pockets Elton's Clothes Sale Proceeds

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 23:53:55 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

The five-day sale of 10,000 pieces of designer clothing owned by Sir Elton John and partner David Furnish concluded successfully on Friday.

Held in a temporary shop in the Rockefeller Centre in New York, the sale raised £395,000 ($700,000) for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The event will reportedly be repeated in a year’s time.

Elton's Closet Opens in New York

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 20:30:22 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Sir Elton John has donated nearly 10,000 items of his own clothing and accessories to raise money for his charity, the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The event, called Elton’s Closet, is being held on the Concourse Level of Rockefeller Center in Manhattan from April 11-15.

For these five days, fans can purchase some of the iconic singer’s costumes, designer suits, trousers, shirts, shoes, accessories and more.

A selection of items will be featured in the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue, a co-sponser of the event along with Top of the Rock, the observation deck at the Rockefeller Center.

Instrumental Giving

Thu, 02 Mar 2006 13:15:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Elton John is putting his famous red piano up for auction, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The piano has been with John through many tours, and he will play it for the last time on March 5 at the Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Dinner. After that it will be put up for auction on eBay with an opening bidding price of $85,000.

While on tour in Brazil, Bono encouraged concert-goers to work together towards ending poverty, and has donated one of his guitars in support of the Brazilian government’s Zero Hunger program.

Lenny Kravitz donated a guitar to the Zero Hunger program last year, raising about $132,000 at an auction.

Look To The Stars News: Elton John AIDS Foundation

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