Sir Elton John's annual Oscar party raised a record $5.1 million for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs. The lavish party, co-hosted by John and his partner, Canadian filmmaker David Furnish, was held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood and co-sponsored by the Swiss jewelers Chopard and TV channel VH1.
Attended by many Oscar winners and nominees, the party was THE party to be at after the Academy Awards after the Vanity Fair party was canceled this year.
Celebrities attending included Best Actress winner Marion Cotillard, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart, Sharon Stone, Kate Beckinsale, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Seal,
The Elton John Aids Foundation says it has raised more than $125 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries around the world since it was founded in 1992. And Sunday night's party raised more money than any of its 15 predecessors and was one of the best-attended Oscar parties of the evening.
A statement from party organizers said: "The annual gala continues to be the leading fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night."
Items auctioned at the Elton John party included Chopard sunglasses custom designed by actors Julianne Moore, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher and Brooke Shields, a 1974 vintage Corvette from Sharon Stone's personal collection and a 'round-the-world vacation package - Around the World in 80 Ways - to celebrate the 80th year of the Oscars.
The evening featured a live performance by Elton John with his band and by Mary J. Blige and Jack Shears of Scissor Sisters.
By Nicola Pittam, Feb 25 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy
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