News Summary
Las Vegas hosted its first-ever amfAR gala, raising over $3 million for AIDS research and advocacy during the Formula 1 race weekend. The event, attended by celebrities and featuring a live auction, honored Sylvester Stallone and Jennifer Flavin with the Award of Inspiration. Comedian Jay Leno hosted the gala, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness around AIDS. Performances from artists like Amber Riley and Diana Ross highlighted the night, which aimed to inspire further action in the fight against AIDS while celebrating unity among supporters.
Las Vegas was the host city for a star-studded gala that celebrated the contributions of notable figures in the fight against AIDS. The event marked amfAR’s first-ever gala in the vibrant city, coinciding with the exciting Formula 1 race weekend at the luxurious Wynn Las Vegas. It raised over $3 million dedicated to AIDS research, as well as HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy efforts.
During the gala, actor Sylvester Stallone and his wife, Jennifer Flavin, were honored with the Award of Inspiration, a recognition of their ongoing commitment to the battle against AIDS. The evening was hosted by comedian Jay Leno, who showed resilience following recent injuries from a fall, bringing lightheartedness to the night’s serious cause. Leno emphasized the critical urgency of the matter at hand, pointing out that someone dies of AIDS every minute in the U.S.
The gala also featured a live auction that is expected to bring in nearly $11 million from the sale of rare luxury cars, conducted by RM Sotheby’s. Unique auction items included diamond earrings, a creative gown designed by Roberto Cavalli that sold for $105,000, and a coveted walk-on role in the television series “Tulsa King” which fetched $300,000. Additionally, a painting by Stallone, created after the release of “Creed 2”, went for an impressive $410,000.
Through the gala, amfAR‘s CEO, Kevin Robert Frost, explained that the idea for a Las Vegas event stemmed from a suggestion by designer Tommy Hilfiger. This inaugural gala was intended to serve as a trial run for future annual gatherings. The attendance of celebrities and performers demonstrated a united front and solidarity in the fight against AIDS.
The event featured performances from talented artists, including Amber Riley, a singer and actress who expressed her support for the cause. The evening concluded with a stunning performance from legendary singer Diana Ross, who invited Amber Riley on stage, further highlighting the spirit of collaboration and celebration that permeated the night.
Sylvester Stallone reflected on the importance of giving back through his art and the significance of his involvement with amfAR. Jennifer Stallone shared her pride in receiving the distinction and emphasized the event’s theme of unity amongst supporters. Stallone also took a moment to pay tribute to iconic figures like Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor, who played a significant role in raising awareness about AIDS throughout the years.
The gala was a resounding success, not just in terms of fundraising but also in raising awareness about the ongoing issues surrounding AIDS. By bringing together high-profile figures and supporters, the event hopes to inspire further action and commitment to this crucial cause.
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Additional Resources
- News3LV: Rachel Smith Chats With Sylvester Stallone
- Wikipedia: Sylvester Stallone
- Hollywood Reporter: Tulsa King amfAR Las Vegas Gala
- Google Search: Sylvester Stallone
- Art News: Sylvester Stallone’s Palm Beach House
- Encyclopedia Britannica: AIDS
- Variety: Sylvester Stallone AI De-Aged Rambo Prequel
- Google News: Tulsa King
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