September 30, 2009

Janet Jackson Helps Raise $1.1 million at amfAR Charity Dinner

Pop superstar Janet Jackson hosted an auction at an amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, charity dinner, which raised $1.1 million for the organization, The Associated Press reports. Guests paid between $2,200 and $11,500 apiece to attend.

“When this terrible pandemic began, everyone…who was infected died of AIDS,” Jackson said. “Today with your help millions of people are living with HIV.”

One of the most notable items sold at the auction was a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti-designed boots covered in 3,000 multicolored Swarovski beads, which Janet’s late brother, Michael, planned to wear on his comeback tour.

With Milan Fashion Week also in session, the occasion drew fashion industry luminaries such as Donatella Versace and model Linda Evangelista, as well as rapper and producer Kayne West.

The affair was held just days after research showed a two-vaccine combination tested in Thailand could cut the risk of being infected with HIV by one third. “That, my friends is the power of research,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Frost. “So believe me when I tell you, there is a way out. We believe, with the right investment, we can bring this epidemic to an end in our lifetime.”

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