NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its legacy of philanthropy and charitable giving, international fine jeweler and watchmaker, Harry Winston, Inc., today announced a groundbreaking new partnership with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, that represents the single largest corporate partnership in the Foundation's history.  Through a wide range of contributions including direct financial support and in-kind donations, Harry Winston will help advance amfAR's efforts to end the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. 

Harry Winston will become the first company to serve as the presenting sponsor for the organization's 27 gala events taking place across the globe over the next three years.  These events are vital to raising more than half of amfAR's general operating support, enabling the organization to invest wisely in pioneering research and programs. The company will also become a leading supporter of amfAR's Countdown to a Cure initiative, which is aimed at developing the scientific basis for a cure for HIV/AIDS by 2020.

"Harry Winston has long looked to the glamour of Hollywood and the allure of its most famous and important gemstones, as a way to raise awareness and funds for local charitable causes," said Nayla Hayek, CEO of Harry Winston, Inc. "amfAR's history of hosting some of the world's most prominent charity events to drive support for its pioneering work towards finding a cure for AIDS, mirrors the same philanthropic principles and beliefs the Harry Winston brand was founded upon. Through amfAR, we are proud to not only continue our commitment to bringing more healthy and brilliant futures to all, but also to support the organization's mission to ending a global epidemic, which continues to impact more than 35 million people worldwide."

Harry Winston's support of amfAR signifies the company's expanding international presence and will enable amfAR to enter new markets, beginning with the first ever fundraising event in Hong Kong in March, 2015.

"We are tremendously grateful to Harry Winston for making a commitment to amfAR and our mission that is truly unprecedented," said amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole. "It represents a long-term partnership with us in working to end the gravest public health threat of our time, and it's a shining example of genuine corporate responsibility and vision that we hope others will follow."

The first event sponsored by Harry Winston will take place on February 11 in New York City.

About Harry Winston, Inc.:
Founded in New York City, in 1932, The House of Harry Winston continues to set the standard for the ultimate in fine jewelry and high-end watch making.  From the acquisition of some of the world's most famous gemstones, including the Jonker, Hope and Winston Legacy Diamonds, to adorning Hollywood's leading ladies on the red carpet, for over eight decades, Harry Winston has been a symbol of the best there is.  Headquartered in New York, the company operates retail salons worldwide, in locations including: New York, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

About the Harry Winston Brilliant Futures Charitable Program:
Supporting local communities and giving hope to those in need is a longstanding House tradition that began with our founder, Mr. Harry Winston. From 1949-1953, Mr. Winston organized an exhibition known as "The Court of Jewels" – a magnificent traveling collection featuring his most impressive and historic gems – which toured key cities across America raising money for local charitable causes. 

Today, we continue this legacy of giving through The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures™ Charitable Program. Within this program, the company is proud to support organizations in our local salon communities that strive to give young people access to a quality education and the skills necessary to be successful in life and enable healthy futures.

About amfAR:
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested close to $400 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,300 grants to research teams worldwide. For more information, please visit www.amfar.org.

Contact:
Lauren Chase
Harry Winston
(212) 315-7932
lchase@harrywinston.com

Shani Wright
Porter Novelli
212-601-8397 
shani.wright@porternovelli.com

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SOURCE Harry Winston, Inc.

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