Works in Sotheby's Contemporary Art Day Auction to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation

Proceeds will support grant-making initiatives in the Foundation's 20^th Year

NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF)'s 20^th year, Sotheby's has invited the Foundation for a second consecutive year to participate in the auction house's Contemporary Art Day Auction on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, by providing select, donated works to be sold to benefit EJAF's grant-making initiatives. All of the proceeds will go directly to the Foundation's urgent work. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121025/DC99200)

Eight renowned artists have generously donated significant works including Donald Baechler, Ross Bleckner, Dan Colen, George Condo, Marlene Dumas, Elizabeth Peyton, Cindy Sherman, and Kehinde Wiley.

Over the past 20 years, EJAF has been one of the top ten nonprofit funders of HIV prevention programs in the world, focusing its efforts specifically on the most at-risk and the most marginalized and vulnerable populations in the U.S., the Americas, and the Caribbean.  Through the impeccable credibility and reputation the Foundation has attained based on 20 years of extensive work in this field, EJAF has emerged as a significant leader, advancing public dialogue on critical and controversial issues related to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, challenging misguided policies and attitudes that block progress in HIV prevention, and leveraging the power of the media, celebrity support, and cause marketing to raise more than $275 million for urgently needed programs and awareness about the continuing challenges of the worldwide AIDS epidemic.

"All of us at EJAF are tremendously grateful to Sotheby's for extending this wonderful fundraising opportunity to the Foundation for a second year, and to all of the amazing artists who have so generously contributed truly special pieces to the charity lots for this auction," said EJAF Founder Sir Elton John.  "I am inspired by their great generosity in honor of the Foundation's 20^th year.  We have accomplished a great deal over the past year, but the scope and breadth of coverage we are able to attain are definitely limited by financial resources.  We clearly need to ramp up our efforts for effective HIV prevention messaging and education for populations most at risk of HIV infection and for programs that help people access appropriate HIV/AIDS care and treatment."

For more information and to view all lots being sold to benefit the EJAF please visit sothebys.com (sale 8901, lots 496-503).

About Sotheby's:  Sotheby's is a global company that engages in art auction, private sales and art-related financing activities. The Company operates in 40 countries, with principal salesrooms located in New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris. The Company also regularly conducts auctions in six other salesrooms around the world. Sotheby's is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BID.

About EJAF:  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 Sir Elton John. Together, both entities have raised more than $275 million for worthy 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 throughout the United States, the Americas, and the Caribbean; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents.  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