Philanthropist Lily Safra Awards $1 Million Gift to The Elton John AIDS Foundation

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) is pleased to announce that noted philanthropist and long-time friend of the Foundation Lily Safra pledged a $1 million gift in support of EJAF's grant-making programs at the organization's 12^th annual An Enduring Vision benefit on October 15, 2013.

"I feel very privileged to be able to support the life-saving work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation," said Mrs. Safra, "not only because Elton and David are such dear personal friends, but most importantly because I know how vital EJAF's grants are to service providers and advocates working on the front lines of this epidemic. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring this epidemic under control if we act now. I am so proud to continue my support for this extraordinarily effective organization."

This exceptional gift is the latest example of Mrs. Safra's extraordinary generosity to the Foundation, following her spectacular Jewels of Hope auction in May of 2012, which awarded $1 million gifts to 32 charitable organizations, including EJAF. Prior to that, Mrs. Safra and the Edmond J. Safra Foundation had made a series of generous gifts to the Foundation in support of its grant-making initiatives in Latin America.

"Lily Safra is a cherished and treasured friend and a critical ally for our cause," said EJAF Founder Sir Elton John, "She truly understands the challenge we face—not only the dangers and obstacles ahead, but more importantly, the unprecedented opportunity we have right now to make significant inroads against this epidemic. Lily has stepped up to play a significant role in finding enduring solutions. I cannot possibly thank her enough for her wonderful friendship and devotion to our urgent mission."

About EJAF

At the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) we believe that AIDS can be beaten. We act on that belief by raising funds for effective programs and policies, and also by speaking out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people's lives. Sir Elton John created EJAF over twenty years ago, first in the United States in 1992 and then in the United Kingdom in 1993. Through hard work and with the help of our network of kind, amazing, creative, and generous friends and supporters, the two foundations together have raised more than $300 million over the past two decades to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS.  The U.S. foundation focuses its efforts on programs in the United States, the Americas, and the Caribbean, while the U.K. foundation funds HIV-related work in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Join us in speaking out, taking action, and contributing to our efforts to achieve a world without AIDS. For more information, please visit www.ejaf.org.

American Airlines is the official sponsoring airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

SOURCE Elton John AIDS Foundation