MAC AIDS Fund Raises More Than $200 Million Through Sale of VIVA GLAM Lipstick

NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The MAC AIDS Fund, the third largest corporate donor and fifth largest private donor for HIV/AIDS causes in the U.S., announced today that it has raised more than $200 million to date through the sales of its VIVA GLAM Lipsticks and Lipglasses.

Record-breaking sales of the signature VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass have more than doubled funding over a three-year period allowing the MAC AIDS Fund to reach this milestone ahead of schedule. Last year's annual VIVA GLAM campaign led by celebrity spokespersons Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper resulted in the most VIVA GLAM sales to date in the MAC AIDS Fund's 16-year history.

"This is a historic moment at the MAC AIDS Fund and we are so thankful to the literally millions of MAC customers and make-up artists as well as our outspoken and outrageous spokesmodels for their incredible support of the VIVA GLAM campaign.  At the same time we are inspired by the great work of our grantees who everyday fight against HIV/AIDS, empowering people to protect themselves, reducing stigma and helping ease the burden of the disease on people, families, and communities," Nancy Mahon, Global Executive Director of the MAC AIDS Fund, Senior Vice President, MAC Cosmetics.

Recognizing the unprecedented momentum of VIVA GLAM's recent success and the urgent needs of those affected by HIV/AIDS, the MAC AIDS Fund and Lady Gaga will partner again in 2011, announcing an ambitious fundraising goal that aims to bring total VIVA GLAM sales to $250 million by the XIX International AIDS Conference in July, 2012.

Since  the campaign was established in 1994 by co-founders Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo, MAC Cosmetics has committed every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass sales to the MAC AIDS Fund for programs that help women, men, and children affected by HIV/AIDS. This 100 percent giving model is unique, as MAC Cosmetics underwrites all of the costs associated with making and selling the product. From Ru Paul to Lady Gaga, there have been 20 celebrity spokespersons supporting the VIVA GLAM campaign and helping to raise awareness for the cause.

"Helping to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS is engrained in MAC's culture. Each day our artists personally help us raise money for the MAC AIDS Fund through the sales of our VIVA GLAM Lipsticks and Lipglasses. The MAC AIDS Fund is the heart and soul of our company and we are committed to helping  empower those with HIV/AIDS and those who love them to take charge of their health," John Demsey, Chairman, MAC AIDS Fund and Group President, Estee Lauder Companies.

"I am incredibly passionate about this campaign and strongly believe the MAC AIDS Fund has the power to create a global movement not only to combat HIV/AIDS but also to encourage men and women everywhere to protect themselves. I feel honored to be part of such an important cause. My new VIVA GLAM lipsticks are intended to be a reminder to people to live passionately, but do it safely.  Be your own biggest fan and protect yourself," Lady Gaga, MAC VIVA GLAM Spokesperson.

The grants from this year's VIVA GLAM campaign focus on reaching marginalized populations such as men having sex with men, African Americans, and women as well as funding in regions most in need, including Washington, D.C. and the rural South in the U.S. and international regions such as South Africa and the Caribbean.

ABOUT THE MAC AIDS FUND

The MAC AIDS Fund, the heart and soul of MAC Cosmetics, was established in 1994 to support men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. MAF is a pioneer in HIV/AIDS funding, providing financial support to organizations working with underserved regions and populations. As the largest corporate non-pharmaceutical giver in the arena, MAF is committed to addressing the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS by supporting diverse organizations around the world that provide a wide range of services to people living with HIV/AIDS. To date, MAF has raised $202 million (U.S.) exclusively through the sale of MAC's VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass donating 100 percent of the sale price to fight HIV/AIDS. For more information visit www.macaidsfund.org.

SOURCE MAC AIDS Fund