SEATTLE — In 1992, Elton John held an Academy Awards viewing party for his newly formed Elton John Aids Foundations (EJAF). About 150 people attended the event at a local restaurant. Recently on Feb. 28, Elton John hosted his 24th annual incarnation of that party, and 950 people showed up. Many attendees were A-list Hollywood celebrities, and with their help, the 68-year-old singer raised over $6.2 million to help end HIV/AIDS and to create a better, more just world.
Legends of the past and present came to the event, including Steven Tyler, Ashlee Simpson, Hailey Baldwin, Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow and Tommy Hilfiger. The rest of the list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood.
“It’s the glamour of going to the Oscars but with the philanthropy,” said Cheyenne Jackson, star of American Horror Story. It also was an opportunity to hear Elton John live and up close. Donning a sparkling jacket with “Captain Fantastic” emblazoned on the back, he took to the piano and sang many of his beloved hits, including Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, Your Song and Bennie and the Jets.
What the night was really about, however, was charity. “By supporting our work, you are standing up against the issues that drive the AIDS epidemic,” said the legendary singer. “You are speaking out against racism, helping to end poverty and homelessness, and rejecting homophobia. Ending AIDS means ending these injustices. By being here tonight, you are saying NO to stigma, NO to the status quo, and YES to a more just and equal society and the end of AIDS.”
Twenty four years after its inception, EJAF has raise nearly $350 million to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Dozens of community organizations have been created all throughout North and Central America as a result. Tens of thousands of people have received HIV testing who otherwise would have not. EJAF also engages in advocacy, lobbying for better health policies for youth at risk of developing HIV.
John’s work not only helps people with HIV at home and abroad, it also inspires others celebrities to do more. Mariah Carey, for example said, “His commitment to charity is amazing. I strive to be like him always.” Other celebrities got into the spirit at the party, taking part in the charity auction.
Steven Tyler put up a 5-day retreat at his home in Maui. Lady Gaga donated personal items. Hillary Swank modeled a Bulgari diamond ring that went for $40,000. Samuel L. Jackson even made a cameo, appearing via video to urge guests to donate.
The Elton John Aids Foundation is helping to not only end the scourge of HIV/AIDS, but helping to foster a celebrity culture of giving back to the greater community. At the end of the day, to create a more inclusive world free of poverty, free of AIDS and of injustice, the key is the culture. Elton John is helping unlock that brighter tomorrow.
Sources: Look to the Stars, Showbiz 411, WWD
Photo: Mirror