$3.7 Million Raised at the 18th Annual Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party Hosted by the Elton John AIDS Foundation

LOS ANGELES, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Sir Elton John and David Furnish hosted the 18th Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards® Viewing Party and raised $3.7 Million for the fight against AIDS.  Presented by Chopard, Jo and Raffy Manoukian and Neuro Drinks, the EJAF Viewing Party continues to be the leading fundraiser on Oscar night in Hollywood.  The evening began with a cocktail reception, dinner and viewing of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, followed by a very exciting live auction and high voltage performance by the iconic Grace Jones.  

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100203/LA48779LOGO)

Throughout its 18 years, the event has hosted some of the biggest stars in film, television and music. This year was no exception with celebrities such as Adam Levine, Alan Cumming, Allison Iraheta (American Idol), Apolo Ohno, Betty White, Chace Crawford, Christina Hendricks, Cory Monteith (Glee), Debi Mazar, Eric & Janet McCormack, Gina Gershon, Hayden Panettiere, Heidi Klum, J.C. Chasez, Jason Mraz, Jeremy Piven, Joaquin Phoenix, John Waters, Josh Groban, K.D. Lang, Kimora Lee, Lea Michele (Glee), Liam Hemsworth, Matthew Morrison (Glee), Michelle Rodriguez, Milla Jovovich & Paul W. S. Anderson, Miley Cyrus, Nicole Richie & Joel Madden, Ricki Lake, Rob Lowe, Ryan Kwanten, S. Epatha Merkerson (Law & Order), Sam Trammell (True Blood), Selena Gomez, Serena Williams, Sharon & Kelly Osbourne, Simon Cowell, Slash, Tim Allen, Victoria Beckham, attendance.  

Guests arrived for the 18th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing party to a custom-built tent adorned in hues of red and tangerine, a decor inspired by designer Antony Todd's travels.  Chef Wayne Elias of Crumble Catering prepared an exquisite five-course meal including dishes such as Risotto Carnaroli with saffron liquorice and king prawns  and "Wahoo" with black olives, pine nuts, fresh herbs and stewed lentils.  

As is tradition, immediately following dinner, auctioneer Jamie Niven of Sotheby's led the evening's live auction. Items auctioned included a Lisa Jack contact sheet of a portrait sitting of now President Barack Obama which was taken at Occidental College in 1980.  This rare piece sold for an astounding $60K.  Guests also had the opportunity to bid on a private tennis lesson given by legendary tennis pros Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, which sold for $70K and the costume that Sir Elton John wore during his performance with Lady Gaga at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.  The costume sold for $30K. A fantastic 48"X48" William Claxton piece, "Chet Baker (Piano), Hollywood, 1954," was sold for $90K. The lucky winner of this photograph also got to take home Claxton's Nikon F 35mm Camera as well as the "Jazz Life" trade edition book. Guests also had the chance to bid on a watch from the Elton John Watch Collection designed by Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele. The dazzling limited timepiece was sold for $90K. Other auction items included an incredible photograph by Robert Mapplethrope called "Grace Jones, 1984" which was sold for $85K and surprised his guests with the opportunity to bid on a 7-day stay for 10 people in Elton's home in Windsor or Nice and the winners of this bid will also be able to experience the wonderful dishes cooked by Elton's personal chef. The 7-day stay was sold for $140K.  

Follow the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Facebook:  http://apps.facebook.com/causes/5321

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION: The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in the United States in 1992 (EJAF-US) and in the United Kingdom in 1993 (EJAF-UK) by founder and chairman Sir Elton John. Together, both entities have raised nearly $175 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries around the globe since inception. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations supporting innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. EJAF-US's current grant-making priorities target HIV prevention programs in the Southern United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents.

CHOPARD:  There are few jewelers in the world whose designs are immediately recognizable.  At the forefront of that list is Chopard.  For 150 years, the "World of Chopard" has embraced elegance, originality and individuality. Renowned internationally for its award-winning "Happy Diamonds" creations, the Chopard collection also includes an array of designs that adorn celebrities around the world.  Meticulously crafted in Geneva, Switzerland since 1860, Chopard has distinguished itself worldwide for luxurious jewels and impeccably crafted high-precision timepieces that embody imaginative design and sophistication. To mark Chopard's 10 years of support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele has designed a new watch collection in collaboration with Sir Elton John himself.  A testament to their friendship, the watch collection reflects the artist's extravagant personality as well as his tremendous generosity. A percentage of sales from these watches benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.  For further information, phone 1.800.CHOPARD or explore Chopard on line at www.chopard.com.

JO and RAFFY MANOUKIAN:  Jo and Raffy Manoukian are honored to be one of the sponsors of the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards® Viewing Party.  They have been personal friends of Sir Elton John since the early 1990s and are actively involved with the Foundation in the capacity of both Trustees and Board Members.  The Elton John AIDS Foundation forms only one part of Jo and Raffy's philanthropy. Their charitable efforts span the globe with special emphasis on health, education, human rights, music, sports and media ventures.

NEURO DRINKS: Neuro is a groundbreaking brand of great-tasting functional beverages that provides nutraceutical blends formulated to promote health and well-being.  Neuro Drinks contain natural, exotic tropical flavors and essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanicals to enhance and support a demanding round-the-clock lifestyle. The line features seven blends: NeuroGasm, NeuroSonic, NeuroBliss, NeuroSport, NeuroTrim, NeuroSleep and NeuroAqua, all individually crafted to provide beneficial elements that help you stay well. Drink smart. Drink Neuro.

AMERICAN AIRLINES: American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 3,400 daily flights.  American Airlines is the official airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

SOURCE Elton John AIDS Foundation