Sir Elton John and David Furnish to Host 15th Annual Party Celebrating the Academy Awards(R) Benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation

Sir Elton John and David Furnish to Host 15th Annual Party Celebrating the Academy Awards(R) Benefiting the Elton John AIDS Foundation

This Year's Co-Sponsors to Include Audi, Chopard and VH1

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Sir Elton John and David Furnish will host the 15th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party. The event will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at the Pacific Design Center and will be co-sponsored by Audi, Chopard and VH1. EJAF's party to celebrate the Academy Awards(R) is one of the Foundation's most successful and visible fundraisers of the year.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation annual gala is the leading fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. Over the past 14 years the party has raised over $125 million for EJAF and this year's event promises to be the most successful yet. The 15th anniversary of this party promises to bring about some exciting changes with an expanded dinner, significant live auction and enhanced musical performance. These modifications will significantly increase funds generated to support EJAF's grant-making activities in the fight against AIDS.

"We are looking forward to celebrating the 15th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar party," says EJAF Director Scott Campbell. "We are so appreciative to the Hollywood community for their support. This is such an important event for the Foundation as it generates significant funds allowing us to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS."

The gala is guaranteed to bring out some of the biggest and hottest celebrities from the entertainment community. Past guests have included Hollywood luminaries and Oscar winners such as Halle Berry, Nicolas Cage, Kevin Costner, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Benicio Del Toro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Sir Ian McKellen, Sharon Stone, Kevin Spacey, John Waters, Sissy Spacek, Denzel Washington, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Many friends from the music industry have also attended, including Jon Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Jewel, Shirley Manson, Sir Paul McCartney, Prince, Sugar Ray, Rod Stewart, and Sting.

Antony Todd of the New York City-based event design company, Antony Todd Incorporated, will be responsible for transforming the "Outdoor Plaza" of the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood in to a lavish and beautiful arena staged in a custom-built rectangular tent. Todd is known for his exquisite floral arrangements and immaculate planning and design of special events. Guests will arrive at 4:00pm for a cocktail reception followed by the five-course benefit dinner and 79th Annual Academy Awards(R) telecast. The evening will come to a close after the live auction and a soon-to-be-announced musical guest performer invited by Sir Elton John.

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION: Since its establishment in 1992 by Founder and Chairman Sir Elton John, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) has raised nearly $120 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries around the globe. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations. EJAF focuses on supporting community-based prevention education programs, harm reduction programs, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially populations with special needs. These efforts include HIV/AIDS-related physical and mental health services, HIV testing and counseling, street outreach and education, food distribution, assisted living services, social service coordination, and community volunteer recruitment and support.

AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.: Audi of America, Inc., is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. Audi's history in America dates to 1969, when the brand was first introduced to the U.S. market. Today, a network of over 260 Audi dealers currently offers a line of premium vehicles that include the Audi A3 premium compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high-revving RS 4 sports sedan; the design-leading A6 sedan and Avant; the all-new Audi Q7 performance SUV; and the all-aluminum Audi A8; and the award-winning TT Coupe and Roadster.

CHOPARD: There are few jewelers in the world whose designs are immediately recognizable. At the forefront of that list is Chopard. For over 140 years, the "World of Chopard" has embraced elegance, originality and individuality. Renowned internationally for its award-winning "Happy Diamonds" creations, the Chopard collection also includes an array of designs that adorn celebrities around the world. Meticulously crafted in Geneva, Switzerland since 1860, Chopard has distinguished itself worldwide for luxurious jewels and impeccably crafted, high-precision timepieces that embody imaginative design and sophistication. For further information, phone 1.800.CHOPARD or visit Chopard on line at www.chopard.com

VH1: VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.

Source: Elton John AIDS Foundation

CONTACT: Christina Lee or Ivy Mollenkamp, both of ROGERS & COWAN,
+1-310-854-8100, for Elton John AIDS Foundation

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