amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. Since its founding in 1985, amfAR has accelerated the pace of HIV/AIDS research and contributed to numerous breakthroughs that are extending and saving lives around the world. amfAR identifies critical gaps in our knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and supports promising early-stage studies that often lack the preliminary data required by more traditional funders. Through its Research program, amfAR is advancing efforts to prevent HIV infection in those who are vulnerable and to improve treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS, with the ultimate goal of eradicating the virus.

amfAR’s TREAT Asia program is a network of clinics, hospitals, and research institutions working with civil society to ensure the safe and effective delivery of HIV/AIDS treatments throughout Asia and the Pacific. TREAT Asia has become a model for regional collaboration on treatment preparedness, education, training, and clinical research.

The MSM Initiative strives to reduce worldwide rates of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in developing countries by providing small grants to grassroots groups that help expand HIV education and prevention. The MSM Initiative also works to build understanding and awareness of HIV epidemics among MSM, and advocates for effective policies and increased funding. Informed by thorough research and analysis, amfAR is a highly respected advocate of rational and compassionate AIDS-related public policy. The Foundation’s Public Policy program is engaged in efforts to increase investments in HIV/AIDS research; ensure a robust response to the global epidemic; expand access to prevention, treatment, and care; and protect the civil rights of all people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Through its Public Information program, amfAR generates awareness of the need for better treatment and prevention methods, and publishes educational materials on important AIDS-related research, treatment, prevention, and policy issues. As a respected voice on HIV/AIDS, amfAR frequently provides media commentary on research developments and other aspects of the epidemic. Photo: Kevin Tachman amfAR Annual Events Milan, New York, San Francisco, Toronto All Photos: Getty/WireImage amfAR Milano San Francisco Gala Building on amfAR’s longtime partnership with the world’s fashion community, in 2009 the The San Francisco Gala is among the Bay Area’s preeminent charity events. It honors Foundation launched amfAR Milano, a star-studded gala held in conjunction with the famed philanthropists and community leaders who have made key contributions to the Bay Area September Milan Fashion Week. and to the fight against AIDS. The evening features cocktails, a silent auction, a gala dinner prepared by a celebrity chef, and top-flight entertainment. The inaugural amfAR Milano featured appearances by Janet Jackson, Dita Von Teese, Dean and Dan Caten, and Linda Evangelista. With fashion icons Heidi Klum, Roberto Begun in 1998 when hosts Francis and Eleanor Ford Coppola opened their famed Napa Bolle, Kenneth Cole, Milutin Gatsby, Eva Herzigova, Cristina Lucchini, Christian Kremer, estate for A Harvest: A Napa Valley Celebration to benefit amfAR, the San Francisco and Diane von Furstenberg serving as event chairs, the 2010 event brought together more Fall Gala has grown to feature designer menus prepared by top Bay area restaurateurs than 300 luminaries of the fashion world for a cocktail reception, black-tie gala dinner, including Jeanette Etheridge, Traci Des Jardins, Vince Calcagno, Craig Stoll, Jeremiah luxury live auction, entertainment, and after party. Guests enjoyed performances by Leona Tower, and Michael Mina. Lewis, Cheyenne Jackson, and Simona Bencini, and music by the Misshapes as after party Kenneth Cole, Sharon Stone, and Shirley MacLaine have served as Honorary Chairs, and DJs. Notable attendees included Alessandra Ambrosio, Dean and Dan Caten, Eva and Roberto the event is attended by nearly 400 of the Bay Area’s social elite. Cavalli, Chanel Iman, Angela Missoni, Margherita Maccapani Missoni, Francesca Versace, and Erin Wasson. Past honorees include House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Assemblyman Mark Leno, restaurateurs Vince Calcagno and Traci Des Jardins, philanthropist Susie Tompkins Buell, Sponsors such as DSquared2, Moët Hennessy, MINI, Vanity Fair Italia, and BMW have Tim Hanlon of Wells Fargo, Robert Haas of Levi Strauss, Stephen Brady, Steve Coulter, maximized their presence during Milano Fashion Week by partnering with amfAR on John and Marcia Goldman, Peter Poulos, Walter Shorenstein, Michael Tilson Thomas, this event. Dita Von Teese, and Shirley MacLaine. Among the sponsors who have generously supported this event are Arizona Beverages, AT&T, The Gap, SKYY Vodka, Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo, and Williams-Sonoma. amfAR New York Gala Media sponsors have included 7X7, California Home and Design, and Pink. The amfAR New York Gala is one of the most coveted tickets of the New York social season. This high-visibility annual event kicks off New York Fashion Week and honors leading public figures who have made important contributions to the fight against AIDS. Cinema Against AIDS Toronto Past honorees include Yves Carcelle/Louis Vuitton, President Bill Clinton, Clive Davis, Now in its third year, Cinema Against AIDS Toronto is a black-tie gala held concurrently John Demsey/M∙A∙C AIDS Fund, Peter Dolan, Richard Gere, Whoopi Goldberg, with the Toronto International Film Festival and benefiting both amfAR and Dignitas

Photo: Getty/WireImage Photo: Kevin Tachman Tom Hanks, Sir Elton John and David Furnish, Quincy Jones, Donna Karan, Patti LaBelle, International. The event recognizes and celebrates the ongoing partnership between Lorne Michaels, Liza Minnelli, Rosie O’Donnell, Natasha Richardson, Bill Roedy/MTV amfAR and Dignitas, two organizations dedicated to beating the AIDS pandemic through Networks, Sumner Redstone/Viacom, Carine Roitfeld, Julian Schnabel, Bobby Shriver, innovative research and determined activism. Sharon Stone, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg, Barbara Walters, Robin Williams, and Anna Wintour. To date, event chairs, guest presenters, and performers at Cinema Against AIDS Toronto have included Ace of Base, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Deborah Cox, Emilio Estevez, The galas include cocktails, dinner, entertainment, a live auction of luxury items, and Linda Evangelista, Eve, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Terry Gilliam, Trudy Grant, special tributes to the honorees. Past speakers, presenters, and performers include Ciara Hunt, Cheyenne Jackson, Ryan Kwanten, Sarah McLachlan, Bill Nighy, Elisa Nuyten, Woody Allen, Harry Belafonte, Tracy Chapman, Chelsea Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary James Purefoy, Heather Reisman, Miranda Richardson, Kelly Rowland, Julian Schnabel, Rodham Clinton, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Billy Crystal, Barry Diller, Michael Douglas, Eve, Martin Sheen, Verne Troyer, Stanley Tucci, Martha Wash, and Michelle Yeoh. Whitney Houston, Marc Jacobs, Wyclef Jean, Gladys Knight, Beyoncé Knowles, Cinema Against AIDS Toronto has so far raised more than $1.7 million. Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, Barry Manilow, Joan Osborne, Vanessa Redgrave, Lou Reed, Natasha Richardson, Jon Stewart, Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman, Stanley Tucci, Given its enormous success and visibility, Cinema Against AIDS Toronto has attracted Rufus Wainwright, Dionne Warwick, Anna Wintour, and Stevie Wonder. an impressive list of corporate supporters and sponsors including The Bay, BMO, CIBC, Cisco Canada, Foss Cadillac, Fairmont Royal York, Grey Goose Vodka, Gucci, Hermès, Since 1998, the New York Gala has raised more than $11 million. Past sponsors Hewlett-Packard Company, HSBC, The Imax Corporation, Joe Fresh Style, Kenneth Cole include Arista Records, BMG Entertainment, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bulgari, Delta Air Lines, Reaction, Magna International Inc, RIM, Rimmel London, Sullivan Entertainment, Valentino Garavani, Hublot, Mandarin Oriental, M∙A∙C Cosmetics, Viacom, and Tiffany & Company, The Thompson Hotels, and TD Securities, among others. Warner Music Group. Photo: Getty/WireImage Photo: Kevin Tachman