The Foundation of AIDS Research held its fifth and most recent Inspiration Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Jun. 11. The Inspiration Series first began in 2010 in order to commemorate men’s fashion and raise funds for AmfAR’s endeavor to end AIDS on a global level. The money raised goes towards AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment awareness and sponsorship of public policies, according to The Huffington Post.
M·A·C Viva Glam presented this year’s Gala, and Josh Duhamel was the honorable host. Countless other celebrities showed up for the occasion, including, but not limited to, Zachary Quinto, Alan Cumming, Zac Posen and Joseph Altuzarra.
AmfAR Trustee, Dr. Mervyn Silverman and Vogue Italia Editor in Chief, Franca Sozzani presented ‘The Crown Princess,’ an ‘Award of Inspiration’ for her significant contribution to AIDS activism. She accepted the award with honor, acknowledging, “the health workers on the ground who don’t wear gloves when they wipe their patients’ tears” and many others, according to the amfAR press release.
Sarah Jessica Parker presented an ‘Award of Inspiration’ to Michael Lombardo who accepted on behalf of HBO. Fergie also took part in the action, by presenting an ‘Award of Inspiration’ to Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli on behalf of Calvin Klein. The amfAR press release stated that Costa and Zuccchello “spoke with hope about the great progress that has been made towards finding a cure for AIDS, due in large part to the fashion community’s committed partnership with charitable organizations such as amfAR.”
The Inspiration series has raised roughly $15 million for amfAR since its launch, bringing in more than $1.2 million to the table itself this year alone. Every dollar counts; every dollar goes towards saving a life.
