THE CARING FAMILY FOUNDATION RAISES £2.3M TO HELP END THE AIDS EPIDEMIC
Last night at Annabel’s, The Caring Family Foundation hosted multiple-Grammy award winning superstar Sir Elton John and David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment and Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation for a special event in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. This is the Foundation’s first benefit event at Annabel’s, coinciding with its 30th anniversary.
Master of Ceremonies was multiple-award winning comedian/actor/writer, David Walliams. A glamourous auction was followed by a terribly exciting, exclusive performance by Sir Elton John, amid his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, resulting in a whopping £2.3 ($2.8) million raised for the Foundation’s life-saving work to end AIDS. Famous hits included “Tiny Dancer” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues.” A live auction was conducted by celebrated auctioneer Charlie Ross and guests danced the night away to a DJ set by Fat Tony. Auction highlights included an iconic neon artwork by Tracey Emin, photographer David Yarrow's print “Summer '75,” and a "Joséphine" diamond necklace by Chaumet.
Elton John | Photo credit: Dave Benett
Other distinguished guests included Naomi Campbell, Edward Enninful, Natasha Poonawalla, Tracey Emin, Keeley Hazell, Nakhane and DJ Fat Tony. All funds raised from last night’s event will support the Foundation’s network of partners across four continents, challenging discrimination, preventing HIV infections and providing treatment, plus - influencing governments to end AIDS.
The evening also celebrated The Caring Family Foundation’s mission to support vulnerable families and individuals. Richard and Patricia Caring said, “We are thrilled to be able to offer Annabel’s as the venue to host Sir Elton for the momentous Elton John AIDS Foundation private dinner and auction. Our Foundation, The Caring Family Foundation, works in the UK and Brazil to support families in need who are affected by food poverty, domestic abuse and climate change. Our Foundations’ share the collective mission to be a powerful force in our respective philanthropy and we are thrilled we could support the Elton John AIDS Foundation in their mission to end the AIDS epidemic.”
David Walliams, Elton John and Tracey Emin | Photo credit: Dave Benett
“The world is still battling two pandemics with COVID-19 and AIDS in addition to hostility and injustices facing the LGBTQ+ community. This event with Annabel’s comes at a time when it’s crucial for us to come together for the global community affected by HIV,” said Elton John. “I am so grateful to The Caring Family Foundation for hosting such a spectacular evening to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and for every donor who continues to support our work across the globe in the fight to end AIDS.'
Richard and Patricia Caring continue, “We must stand up and speak for the voiceless - because it’s the marginalised communities, the ones under attack in so many places, where HIV and AIDS really digs in,” said David Furnish. “Empirical evidence shows us that everywhere vulnerable communities are excluded or criminalized, HIV spreads. That’s why it is vital we continue our work supporting people living with, and at risk of HIV.”
“The Elton John AIDS Foundation and The Caring Family Foundation share a common goal of wrapping our arms around the communities who need it most, and they need our support now more than ever,” said Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “Because of the generosity of supporters at events like this one, we can continue supporting life-saving programs across the globe to reach those who are most vulnerable.”
