The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF)
supports its work through proceeds from special
events, cause-related marketing projects, and
contributions from individuals, corporations,
and foundations. EJAF’s annual events are
described below.
The Foundation has also produced or benefited
from numerous events including Elton’s Closet,
a public sale of clothing and accessories from
the personal wardrobes of Sir Elton John and David
Furnish, which most recently occurred in April
2006 at Rockefeller Center in New York City and
raised almost $750,000; and a special preview
showing of Lestat, the Broadway show based on
Anne Rice’s novels with music by Elton John
and Bernie Taupin that occurred last April in
New York City.
EJAF has also been the beneficiary of many prominent
events and projects including the 2005 Philadelphia
Freedom Ball and Concert, the largest free outdoor
HIV/AIDS awareness event ever held, and the 2005
Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, which featured a
$1.5 Million private concert by Elton John in
its “Fantasy Gifts” that was sold
with all proceeds benefiting the Foundation. EJAF
will also benefit from Conde Nast’s upcoming
Fashion Rocks pre-party and concert on September
6, 2006.
Annual Events
The Academy Awards Viewing Party
EJAF’s Academy Awards Viewing Party is one
of the Foundation’s most successful and
visible fundraisers of the year – last year’s
event raised nearly $3M! The importance of this
party cannot be measured in dollars alone. During
an evening when the eyes of the world are on Hollywood,
EJAF’s Oscar party focuses public awareness
on the continually evolving AIDS epidemic. On
February 25, 2007, the Elton John AIDS Foundation
(EJAF) will host its 15th annual Academy Awards
Viewing Party at the Pacific Design Center in
West Hollywood.
An Enduring Vision
Created five years ago as a collaborative fundraising
effort by the National AIDS Fund (NAF) and the
Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), An Enduring
Vision has become a major source of funding for
EJAF and NAF’s grantmaking programs. An
Enduring Vision has become EJAF’s annual
New York benefit and it is the Foundation’s
forum for honoring its most dedicated supporters.
On Tuesday, October 3, 2006, the Elton John AIDS
Foundation (EJAF) will present its 5th annual
An Enduring Vision benefit at the Waldorf Astoria
in New York City. This event will feature performances
by Elton John and Neil Young and will be hosted
by Whoopi Goldberg.
Smash Hits
Smash Hits, EJAF’s annual tennis fundraiser,
is produced by World Team Tennis and EJAJ Board
Members Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss. Co-hosted
for the past 14 years by Sir Elton John and Billie
Jean King, this event has raised over $8 million
for EJAF and local AIDS organizations in the event’s
host cities. Participants have included Pete Sampras,
Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova,
Anna Kournikova, and many others. On September
14, 2006, the 14th annual Smash Hits featuring
Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick and Anna Kournikova
will occur at the Bren Center at U.C. Irvine.
Cause-Related
Marketing Projects
EJAF has engaged in several unique cause-related
marketing projects that have both raised funds
for the Foundation and brought public attention
to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Since 1997, EJAF has benefited from a relationship
with Slatkin & Company. A portion of the proceeds
from the Elton John Series of scented Slatkin
candles benefits the Foundation. This fall, this
project will expand as the Elton John home fragrance
collection is launched at Bath and Body Works
stores around the country. The collection includes
scented candles, scented rocks, home fragrance
oil and oil warmer.
EJAF has also benefited from cause-related marketing
projects with Oliver Peoples Eyewear, Lalique,
Christopher Radko Christmas ornaments, Xemex watches,
as well as Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe
t-shirts.
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