amfAR Makes a Steller Debut in Palm Beach Debut,  Raising $5.3 Million for AIDS RESEARCH

 Christina Aguilera Performed

It was a night of stars under the stars at the home of philanthropists and art collectors, Amy and John Phelan, the event chairmen and hosts of amfAR’s first Palm Beach Gala.

The open air event drew more than 370 swells that included fashion designer, Tommy Hilfiger, the honoree, a longtime AIDS activist, and his wife, Dee Hilfiger, along with Jennifer Flavin Stallone and Sylvester Stallone, who presented Tommy with the award.

The exclusive event, hosted by Schitt’s Creek star, Emily Hampshire, included a cocktail reception, a seated gala dinner, a live auction of exquisite contemporary art, and a special performance by Christina Aguilera, who had guests dancing and out of their seats.  Singer/songwriter Parson James, best known for his hit single “Stole the Show,” a collaboration with Kygo, also performed at the event to an adoring crowd.

The live auction, conducted by Simon de Pury, was a huge success, and featured extraordinary pieces of contemporary art by artists that included Harland Miller, Jim Hodges, Jose Alvarez, among  others.

Signature Sponsors were David Yurman and Aston Martin, and the evening was also generously supported by Piper-Heidsieck and Boroli Wines. 

Event Chairs included Dee Hilfiger, Robert Kraft and Dana Blumberg, Omeed and Caroline Malik, Amy and John Phelan, and Stephen and Christine Schwarzman. Event Co-Chairs included Vanessa Amor, Frank and Laura Baker, Andrew Boszhardt, T. Ryan Greenawalt, Brian and Tania Higgins, Michele and Howard Kessler, Karolina Kurkova and Archie Drury, Michael Lorber, Kevin McClatchy, Howard and Cindy Rachofsky, Nancy C. Rogers, Tad Smith and Caroline Fitzgibbons, Lindsay Taylor, Evan and Ku-Ling Yurman, and Steve and Andrea Wynn.

amfAR has been active in Southern Florida since 1986 and has awarded over 90 grants totaling $6 million in the region.

Photo Credit:  Capehart Photography