Rebecca Wang supports the 23rd Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards
(PRWEB) March 03, 2014
On Sunday, March 2, 2014, Hollywood welcomed not only Oscar night, but also the most high profile fundraising event associated with the Academy Awards – the Elton John AIDS Foundation Viewing Party. This annual celebration, now in its 23rd year, is the largest of its kind to happen in Hollywood on Oscar night and to date has raised over $40 million towards the Foundation's wide range of initiatives against AIDS.
The 2014 party was held in the Pacific Design Centre, West Hollywood where Honorary Chairs Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish welcomed Co-chairs and seasoned supporters, including Steven Tyler, Donatella Versace, Jane Fonda, Robert de Niro, Lady Gaga, and Sharon Stone.
The evening was made possible by generous support and donations at the individual and corporate level. Co-sponsors for this year were luxury car brand Audi, cosmetics group M.A.C VIVA Glam, and financial services group Wells Fargo, while the Starkey Hearing Foundation was an Associate Sponsor.
Among regular individual supporters of the Foundation is executive film producer and entrepreneur, Rebecca Wang, who has been a benefactor over consecutive years, and this year acted as a patron to the event. She said, "It is immensely fulfilling for me to be able to support this cause, and such a truly stellar evening, which at the same time is benefiting the ground-breaking initiatives against AIDS that are led by the Foundation."
The black tie event saw guests gather at 4.00pm for cocktails where Patron Tequila presented the spirits, and Veuve Cliquot the champagne. A five course meal, planned and prepared by Gordon Ramsey, followed at 5.00pm, during which guests watched the live telecast of the Academy Awards ceremony.
After dinner came a live performance from British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, prior to the staging of the renowned live auction, which was conducted by Alexander Gilkes of Paddles. The auction lived up to its promise of lively and competitive bidding for the exotic lots, where frequently sums around $3 million and over are raised during this part of the evening. Among the enviable items being auctioned this year was a 7 day stay in Steven Tyler's luxury home in Maui, Hawaii.
DJ Johnny Dyell rounded off the evening with music for dancing the night away to.
Chopard, Neuro drinks and Well Fargo regularly support the Academy Awards Viewing Party and this year was no exception. Appreciation was also voiced for the City of West Hollywood, and American Airlines, the official airline to the Foundation.
About Rebecca Wang
Rebecca Wang is an entrepreneur, executive film producer and former psychotherapist who is passionate about all forms of artistic expression. She is also keen in her desire to bring effective support to projects focusing on health and humanitarian issues. Rebecca graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, and practiced as a psychotherapist at various leading institutions. In 2011, Rebecca made her Hollywood debut as an executive producer and had the opportunity to work with A-list professionals from the film industry for her project.
Rebecca devotes her time and energy to supporting The British Academy of film and Television Arts (bafta), the Elton John Aids Foundation and the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR) where she has acted as sponsor and chair to some of the most renowned Inspiration Galas held worldwide.
Outside her philanthropic role with AIDS-related organizations, her passion for all art forms has acted as a catalyst for her to become patron to many prestigious galleries, and other organizations such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Serpentine gallery, the National Gallery and the Tate Modern.