In support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, 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 at Annabel’s, Mayfair, London on Thursday, May 12. David Walliams, multiple-award winning comedian/actor/writer, served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. The event featured a glamourous auction followed by an exclusive performance by Sir Elton John, who attended amid his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, raising £2.2 ($2.7) million for the Foundation’s life-saving work to end AIDS.
Both Foundations welcomed Naomi Campbell, Edward Enninful, Natasha Poonawalla, Tracey Emin, Keeley Hazell, Nakhane and DJ Fat Tony among the crowd of supporters and other distinguished guests. Sir Elton John gave a special performance featuring famous hits “Tiny Dancer” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues.” The live auction conducted by celebrated auctioneer Charlie Ross featured special items such as an iconic neon artwork by Tracey Emin, photographer David Yarrow’s print “Summer ’75,” and a “Joséphine” diamond necklace by Chaumet. To close the evening, guests were invited to enjoy a special DJ set by Fat Tony which had guests dancing into the early hours of the morning.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation’s first benefit event at Annabel’s aligns with the 30th anniversary of the Foundation. All funds raised throughout the evening will support the Foundation’s network of partners across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent HIV infections and provide treatment, as well as influencing governments to end AIDS.
The evening also celebrates The Caring Family Foundation’s mission to support vulnerable families and individuals. Commenting on the evening, 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.”
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. 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. Elton John
“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.”
