The 16th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish will be held Sunday, February 24, 2008 at the Pacific Design Center and will be co-sponsored by Chopard and VH1. The event will begin at 4PM with a cocktail reception, followed by a formal dinner and viewing of the 80th Annual Academy Awards, an exciting auction and a very special soon-to-be-announced musical performer invited by Sir Elton John.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation gala is the most highly visible and successful fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. Last year this annual gala event made history when it raised a record-breaking $4.3 million and over the past 15 years the event has generated over $15 Million for the fight against HIV/AIDS. Event organizers hope to top last year's success in an effort to further increase EJAF's investments in its grant-making initiatives which support prevention education programs, harm reduction, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially populations with special needs.
"With the loyal support of the Hollywood community the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party has raised significant attention and funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS over the past 15 years," says EJAF Director Scott Campbell. "This year we hope to set the bar even higher and let the world know that we are as committed as ever to fighting this devastating disease."
The gala is guaranteed to bring out some of the biggest and hottest names from the entertainment community. This year's event co-chairs include Victoria and David Beckham, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi, Jeffrey and Marilyn Katzenberg, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Stone, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Donatella Versace and John Waters among others. Past guests have included Hollywood luminaries, Oscar winners and music stars such as Nicolas Cage, Jon Bon Jovi, Denzel Washington, Sheryl Crow, Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Benicio Del Toro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sting, Sir Ian McKellen, Sharon Stone, Rod Stewart, Kevin Spacey, John Waters, Sissy Spacek and Halle Berry.
