Oscars Party Headlined by Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa Raises $3M for Elton John’s AIDS Foundation
By Space Coast Daily // April 29, 2021
The annual pre-Oscars party hosted by Sir Elton John to fundraise for his AIDS foundation has become a fixture since its inception in 1992.
This year was no exception, although the function took on a new format given current COVID-19 health regulations and protocols. Instead of a physical gathering, 2021’s 29th Annual Oscar Party was a virtual one, attended by a star-studded list of celebrities.
The fundamental importance of this year’s Annual Oscar Party
Overshadowed by a devastating COVID pandemic, the AIDS epidemic has taken a back seat over this last year. Experts estimate that an additional 500,000 people will die from AIDS this year in sub-Saharan Africa alone due to treatment disruptions. Much work on the AIDS cure was put on hold as scientists focused on finding a COVID-19 vaccine.
Funds raised at this year’s event will be dedicated to young people living with HIV/AIDS. Over a thousand new cases of HIV among younger people are reported daily worldwide. The Elton John’s Foundation is looking at ways to provide support and treatment for this demographic who embraced the digital age.
Sir Elton John’s Foundation operates across four continents, bringing lifesaving support and treatment to millions of people. It is also active in bringing an end to the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS that is so often why people fail to seek treatment until it is too late.
Big-name support
Online sportsbook and casino operator, Parx, based in Pennsylvania, was one of the Foundation’s leading partners. The other was Cisco-Webex, which powered the virtual event. Co-sponsors of the evening’s festivities were Gilead Sciences, Robert Kraft, and Judy and Leonard Lauder.
Aside from Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, a veritable who’s who of celebrities joined in to make the event a resounding success. This list includes award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris, who joined the couple to host this year’s event. Additionally, music sensation Dua Lipa lent her exquisite voice to this worthwhile cause, singing several of her hits and joining Sir Elton John in rousing versions of ‘Bennie and the Jets’ and ‘Love Again’. Lady Gaga also made a special appearance.
At a time when donor retention has become an increasing concern among charities and foundations, Sir Elton John, his capable team, and principal sponsors managed to pull off a global event that raised $3 million.
Looking ahead
With the resounding success of its Oscars 2021 evident, the Sir Elton John AIDS Foundation is keen to use digital resources to continue reaching a global audience. Even once COVID restrictions ease, it seems that the famous pre-Oscars party may never be the same again.
