amfAR RAISES OVER $3 MILLION AT INAUGURAL LAS VEGAS GALA at WYNN
amfAR raised over $3 million at its inaugural amfAR Las Vegas gala on November 21, 2024 during F1 Vegas. The foundation also will receive a portion of nearly $11 million generated with event partner RM Sotheby’s in a live auction of rare luxury automobiles. The exclusive event took place at Wynn Las Vegas during F1 Race Week 2024 at their beautiful golf resort and ballroom located on property.
The evening was presented by Roberto Cavalli, who hosted an exclusive shopping event the next day with their gorgeous fashions featured at the gala.
Renowned comedian Jay Leno hosted the gala evening, and legend Diana Ross brought the audience to their feet with her music and magic during a showstopping performance. Academy Award-nominated actor, writer, and director Sylvester Stallone and accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and model Jennifer Stallone were honored with amfAR’s Award of Inspiration, with their three daughters present.
Actress and powerhouse vocalist, Amber Riley, opened the evening, which was presented in partnership with Paramount Global. Guests in attendance included talent such as Michael Fassbender, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jeffrey Wright, Tommy and Dee Hilfiger, Keegan-Michael Key, Juno Temple, Sophia Stallone, Sistine Stallone, Scarlet Stallone, Harry Goodwins, Tyler Hoechlin, Evan Ross, Ian Bohen, LA Dodgers Jack Flaherty, David Glasser, Brandon Sklenar, Julia Schlaepfer, Katee Sackhoff, Foodgod, Jessica Wang, Jason Tartick, Andy Gelb, Diana Madison, Ali Lasky, Zarina Yeva, Sophie Julia, Maryam Zolghadr, Caylee Cowan, Trixie Mattel, and amfAR Board Member Tony Mancilla, among many others.
amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost delivered an important message about amfAR’s mission at the top of the night and made a plea to guests to continue supporting amfAR’s critical work. “We have made significant progress – thanks to the tireless efforts of researchers and of supporters like yourselves – but a cure remains elusive,” said Frost. “Tonight, I’m calling upon you to help, to keep that progress moving forward, toward a cure.”
Auctioneer Michael Macaulay kicked off the evening’s live auction, which featured works by Timothy White and Michael Kagan, a Sylvester Stallone painting, jewelry from Merry Belle worn by actress Jodie Turner-Smith, experiences from signature sponsors Roberto Cavalli and Sazerac and Presenting Sponsor Paramount Global, as well as five rare luxury automobiles from RM Sotheby’s.
Another highlight of the auction was when 101 Studios co-founder and CEO David Glasser called Michael Fassbender, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Jeffrey Wright from The Agency, Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer from 1923, and Ian Bohen from Yellowstone onstage to help auction off walk-on roles in Tulsa King and in another upcoming Paramount Global show. Yellowstone actor Ian Bohen added, “My role on Yellowstone started as a walk on role,” to help inspire bidding.
Following the auction, The Stallones accepted amfAR’s Award of Inspiration in recognition of their generous support of amfAR’s lifesaving work, in addition to numerous other causes related to health, education, and women’s rights. “It’s up to all of us to keep the fires of hope blazing until that day comes and it will, this disease will be beaten to a pulp and the world’s fist will be lifted in glorious victory,” said Sylvester Stallone as he accepted the award.
Event Chairs included Craig Billings, Andrew Duncan, Michael Fassbender, David Glasser, Tommy and Dee Hilfiger, Fausto Puglisi, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jeffrey Wright, and amfAR Board Co-Chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy.
amfAR Las Vegas took place at Wynn Las Vegas, the event’s official hotel and resort partner.
The evening’s presenting sponsor was Paramount Global, and signature sponsors were Roberto Cavalli, 101 Studios, RM Sotheby’s, and Sazerac. The event was supported by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and VEGAS Magazine was the Official Media Partner.
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $900 million in support of its programs and has awarded more than 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide.
Photography by Ryan Emberley and by Getty Images.