ETAF ambassador Kathy Ireland hosted the virtual gala. (photo courtesy of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation)

On World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation hosted the virtual Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS. The elegant evening, hosted by ETAF ambassador Kathy Ireland, was generously supported by Gilead Sciences Inc. and Bulgari.

The one-hour broadcast reflected Elizabeth Taylor’s vision of an AIDS-free world, with moving messages about the nearly 40-year fight against AIDS from President Bill Clinton, Ambassador Deborah Birx, Colin Farrell and Sir Elton John, among others. Music icon Vanessa Williams performed.

The live auction was conducted by Lydia Fenet in partnership with Christie’s and included a walk-on role in the upcoming Elizabeth Taylor biopic, and a luxury travel package by Bulgari.

Earvin “Magic” and Cookie Johnson presented the inaugural Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award to Gilead Sciences Inc. for their global leadership in HIV treatment and prevention. Through their innovation and medical advances, countless lives are being saved, and many more people have avoided contracting HIV. The award was accepted by the Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences Inc., Daniel O’Day.

Prior to the event, fashion designer Zac Posen hosted a VIP pre-show.

ETAF works to provide the direct care needed for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Emphasizing Elizabeth’s voice, commitment and concentration on marginalized communities, ETAF’s advocacy agenda now includes work to modernize the criminal laws and penalties that affect people living with HIV. ETAF’s work has also expanded to ensure that HIV prevention education and access to treatment is available through domestic and international initiatives.

For information, visit etaf.org.