‘CINEMA AGAINST AIDS CANNES 2012’
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanAs celebrities, filmmakers, media and critics gathered recently in France to celebrate the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, a charitable cause took the spotlight in the ‘Cinema Against AIDS Cannes 2012’. This marked the 19th year for this black-tie event with an agenda of cocktail reception, dinner and live auction.
Although we are beginning to win the war against AIDS, we must continue to fight until we achieve victory. Many anxiously look forward to this exciting event almost as much as they look forward to the Film Festival. It attracts a diverse guest list comprised of attendees from the worlds of fashion, music, business and international society. amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, has been holding this humanitarian event since 1993 and can remarkably attest to raising over $70 million for lifesaving AIDS research.
This year it took place on Thursday, May 24th, 2012, at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France. Presenting sponsors were BOLD FILMS, The Weinstein Company and L’oreal Paris. Co-Sponsors were Chopard, Mercedes-Benz and Quintessentially. Grand Philanthropist was Moet Hennessy.
The guests arrived with a passion to raise funds in order to make a difference in the lives of others. Adrien Brody assisted in auctioning off a motorcycle commissioned by Redemption Choppers. It had a much deeper meaning as it was a tribute to amfAR’s late Founding International Chairman, Elizabeth Taylor, and ultimately went for $160,000.
Alec Baldwin was the Event Chair. Karolina Kurkova was beaming with happiness in a stunning gold sparkling gown.
Comedian Chris Rock wowed the crowd with his mini Michael Jackson dance routine. Janet Jackson was part of the audience that was entertained.
Diane Kruger, one of the select jury members of the Cannes Film Festival, sweetly auctioned off a kiss from her boyfriend, Joshua Jackson. In a white embellished dress with circular neckline, fitted bodice and full skirt, she was a beauty ready to bolster the funds for a worthy cause.
Some of the interesting auction items included a massage by Heidi Klum and ‘Bite a Bidder, Vampire Diaries Style’ by Nina Dobrev. Kim Kardashian made an appearance in a canary yellow slit-side gown with plunging neckline and dangling diamond earrings. Her dark hair was complimented by bright red lips.
Some of the other guests thrilled to be a part of this evening were Petra Nemcova, Milla Jovovich, Kylie Minogue, Julianna Margolies and Cheyenne Jackson. amfAR CEO, Kevin Robert Frost, was also there in attendance and gracious for all the overwhelming monetary and moral support.
The highlight of the evening was a high-energy fashion show hosted by iconic fashion editor, Carine Roitfeld. Designs were featured by Chanel, Alexander Wang, Fendi, Diane von Furstenberg, Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren and more.
It wasn’t just about the spectacular fashions. The entire ensemble raised $300,000 as part of the auction.
Its simply amazing the amount of worldwide support that this organization draws year after year. In the course of its existence, for over 25 years, amfAR has invested more than $340 million in its programs. Key accomplishments are advances in HIV prevention, treatment and care. The result is the extension, improvement and saving of lives of those that are vulnerable to the dreaded disease.
Upcoming events include ‘amfAR generationCURE: Solstice‘ taking place in New York City at the Hotel Americano on Wednesday, June 13th, 2012 and the grand ‘Together To End AIDS‘ on Saturday, July 21st, 2012, at The John F.Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
Visit the amfAR website to learn more about this organization that has made a difference in the lives of millions.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images, Kevin Tachman
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